Job Search

Location: Wigan
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Weekend Shift)
Working Pattern: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Salary: Approximately £35,000

The Opportunity

Smart4Sciences are recruiting for a Quality Control Laboratory Technician to join a busy manufacturing operation based in Wigan.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with previous QC laboratory experience to join a fast-paced production environment where quality, accuracy and attention to detail are critical. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring raw materials, in-process products and finished goods meet required quality standards, whilst supporting manufacturing teams through testing, troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.

Key ResponsibilitiesPerform in-process and final product testing in accordance with approved specifications.Test incoming raw materials to ensure compliance with quality requirements.Prepare pre-shipment samples and maintain accurate supporting documentation.Carry out calibration activities in line with equipment schedules and procedures.Complete inspection and testing activities in accordance with manufacturing instructions.Identify non-conforming products, materials and processes and support corrective actions.Issue process adjustment recommendations to production teams where required.Support project work and product development activities when assigned.Provide test method training to operators and designated personnel.Investigate customer complaints, process failures and quality-related issues.Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports and quality documentation.Report incidents, abnormalities and quality concerns to senior personnel.Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality standards at all times.Skills & Experience RequiredBTEC, HNC or equivalent qualification in Chemistry.Previous experience within a Quality Control or laboratory environment.Experience carrying out routine laboratory testing and quality inspections.Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.Good organisational and documentation skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.Effective communication skills.Comfortable working within a manufacturing environment.Desirable ExperienceExperience calibrating laboratory equipment.Knowledge of quality management systems and compliance standards.Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment.Experience investigating customer complaints and non-conformance issues.Experience training operators on test methods and laboratory procedures.What's On OfferCompetitive salary of approximately £35,000.Permanent weekend shift position.Opportunity to join a well-established manufacturing environment.Varied role covering quality control, testing, calibration and investigation activities.Opportunity to develop laboratory and quality assurance experience.Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development opportunities.Apply Today

If you are an experienced QC Technician, Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst or Quality Technician looking for your next opportunity within a manufacturing environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Submit your CV today for immediate consideration.

We are working with a leading manufacturer of premium decorative coatings to recruit a QC / Technical Chemist for their North West facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on laboratory professional to join a well-established coatings manufacturer with a reputation for producing high-quality, technically advanced products. Reporting to the Lab R&D Manager, you will play a key role in quality control, technical problem-solving, batch release, and supporting manufacturing operations to ensure consistently high product standards.

Key Responsibilities

* Carry out quality control testing on raw materials, colorants, in-process batches, and finished products against established specifications.
* Perform laboratory testing including viscosity, density, pH, opacity, gloss, colour, drying time, scrub resistance, adhesion, stability, and application assessments.
* Support batch approval and product release activities through accurate testing and result evaluation.
* Investigate quality, production, and customer-related technical issues, recommending corrective actions where required.
* Assist with colour matching, shade adjustment, tinting accuracy, and product consistency checks.
* Prepare laboratory samples, drawdowns, application panels, and performance trials.
* Maintain accurate quality records, specifications, test reports, and supporting documentation.
* Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and consistent testing.
* Work closely with Production, Technical, and Procurement teams to support quality improvements and issue resolution.
* Assist with raw material evaluations, benchmarking activities, and formulation support projects.

Experience

Candidates should have previous experience within a QC, technical laboratory, or coatings testing environment, ideally within paints, coatings, chemicals, or a manufacturing setting. Experience carrying out laboratory testing, batch approval activities, and investigating quality issues would be highly beneficial.

Requirements

A scientific qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent is desirable, although strong practical laboratory experience will also be considered. Applicants should possess excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a good understanding of quality control procedures and safe laboratory practices.

What's on Offer

* Salary of £28,000 - £34,000 depending on experience.
* Opportunity to join a respected manufacturer with a strong reputation for premium products.
* Varied and hands-on technical role with responsibility across quality control and manufacturing support.
* Collaborative working environment with close interaction between laboratory and production teams.
* Ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities within the technical function.

Technical Manager - Greater Manchester

Smart4Sciences is working with a specialist manufacturer within the construction materials sector to recruit a Technical Manager for their site in the North West.

This is a senior opportunity for a technically experienced professional with a strong polymer background and experience leading people within an R&D, NPD or technical environment. The successful candidate will take ownership of the technical function, supporting product development and bringing new products to market.

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Desirable Experience

Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 depending on experience
Location: Greater Manchester

If you're an experienced polymer professional with strong R&D leadership experience and are interested in taking ownership of a technical function, please apply or get in touch to discuss the opportunity further.

Smart4Sciences is supporting a leading manufacturing organisation in recruiting a QC Analyst to join their Quality Control team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a laboratory environment, carrying out quality control testing to ensure raw materials and finished products meet both company and customer specifications.

The RolePerform quality control testing of raw materials, finished goods, and other samples as requiredPrepare and analyse samples in accordance with established laboratory proceduresSupport the Quality Manager and Quality Control Manager with routine and ad hoc testing activitiesFollow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), health and safety regulations, and maintain laboratory housekeeping standardsEnsure the correct storage and disposal of retained production and laboratory samplesValidate laboratory instruments in line with company proceduresManage laboratory consumables and solvent stock, carrying out regular stock checks and arranging replenishment where requiredIssue Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and maintain accurate laboratory records and filing systemsSupport Production, Customer Service, Technical Service, Purchasing, R&D, and Commercial teams through timely and accurate testingIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance laboratory performance and efficiencyUtilise Microsoft Word, Excel, and internal systems including Epicor, BOS, COSHH databases, Torque databases, and email systemsThe CandidateExperience working within a laboratory environmentPrevious experience in a Quality Control roleA Levels or equivalent qualifications in one or more scientific subjectsProficient in Microsoft Word and ExcelStrong attention to detail and commitment to quality standardsAbility to manage workloads effectively and work flexibly to meet business needsExcellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across departmentsKnowledge of laboratory health and safety practices and quality procedures

If you're looking to develop your career within a quality-focused laboratory environment and contribute to the delivery of high-quality products, Smart4Sciences would love to hear from you.