Quality Technician

JOB SPECIFICATION

About us 

 

At Vocation Brewery, we believe beer should be an experience. We brew beers of substance, integrity and importantly, bold flavour. Whatever their style, all our beers are distinctly Vocation; interesting, worthy of comment, and a pleasure to enjoy.

 

We have always followed our own path and sought to challenge convention. We continue to brew perched at the top of a hill, a place out on its own. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but it's somewhere we have space to think and space to brew. We continue to brew in a spirit of independence and camaraderie to make original beers that stand out from the crowd.

 

Our ambition is boundless, driven by a thirst to change drinkers’ perceptions and experiences of beer. Our success to date has been built on innovation, and this remains our relentless passion. We work hard to move things on and make things better.

 

Our beers are the work of many hands. We pride ourselves on our team spirit, on shared triumphs over adversities and shared values. We believe that success is earned and shared and that we win when we are at our best…always. In short, we love what we do.

 

If you have a passion and aptitude for achieving and sharing exceptional results you’d love it here.

 

About the role 

 

The Quality Technician’s main responsibility is to conduct microbiological and chemical sampling and analysis according to sampling plan and to support sensory program. This role also has a strong involvement in yeast and fermentation management.

 

The Quality Technician is responsible for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure our data and measurement relies on strong base.

 

As part of the Quality Team, this role also will be responsible for Quality Assurance analyses throughout the brewery and ensuring that QA policies and procedures are always adhered to. This position will be expected to communicate issues to appropriate managers and record, report QA data using various QA software packages.

 

Key skills and experience:  

·      Degree in Brewing, Microbiology, Chemical engineering, or similar fields

·      Experience in the Brewing field is desired

·      Strong attention to details and analytical skills to achieve continuous improvement

·      Confident working independently and as part of a team

·      Strong organisation skills with a structured and systematic approach

·      Ability to follow instructions

·      Ability to work on own initiative and prioritize workload effectively

·      Good computer skills with MS software packages (Excel, Word, Outlook)

·      Basic knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices

·      Good interpersonal and communication skills

·       Flexible, self-motivated and able to adapt to changing priorities

 

Key results: 

·      Undertake routine analysis of physical/chemical and microbiological samples according to the sampling plan

·      Prepare media for use in microbiological testing

·      Revise and develop the quality management system through the implementation of new processes and tools

·      Contribute to decision-making in quality-related issues

·      Perform calibration and maintenance on laboratory instrumentation within the lab and the production site

·      Communicate with service providers and manage technician visits and repair

·      Manage sensory sessions and assist with the implementation of sensory training

·      Oversee yeast management procedures and support with propagation sampling and recordkeeping

·      Data analysis, entry, and reporting of out of spec results

·      Representing the brewery at industry events

·      Daily Quality reporting to the wider team in the daily control meeting

·      Create, approve, and review Quality and Operations SOPs/OPLs

·      Roll out new QA processes and train production staff

·      Responsible for the collection and delivery of samples for external analysis

 

·      Support sales teams by providing relevant data when requested

·      Support the induction of new staff into the business

·      Support production team on QA/QC Checks on brewing and packing department when necessary

·      Ensure quality labs are kept at a high level of hygiene

·      Responsible for laboratory management, including purchasing and stock control

·      Involvement in PO creation and processing using Sage

·      Sole involvement in root cause analysis, process, and quality improvements

·      Responsible for beer library management and improvements

·      Responsible for commissioning new lab and production equipment relating to Quality

·       Promote safe working practices (GLP & GMP)

 

Key relationships: 

Head of Brewing and Technical

Lab Technician

Operations Manager

Technical Brewer

Senior Brewer

Packing Line Manager