Laboratory Technician

Company Background
Andros is a family‑owned industrial food group based in the south‑west of France, generating over €2.5 billion in annual turnover. The company is a leading European specialist in fruit transformation and chilled dairy, manufacturing the internationally recognised Bonne Maman brand alongside a broad private‑label portfolio.

Andros Group Overview
Production sites across Europe and worldwide (USA, China, New Zealand…)
Four core business areas: Fruit, Chilled Dairy, Confectionery, Frozen Desserts
Strong industrial expertise and a commitment to innovation
A dual model combining strong brands (Bonne Maman, Andros) and private label activities
Company Culture
At Andros, people come first. Our success is built on empowering pragmatic, hands‑on individuals in a dynamic, solution‑focused and market‑driven organisation. Entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged, and consumer satisfaction is central to our values.

Our work environment is fast‑paced, varied and free from unnecessary politics. Communication is direct and built on trust, professional expertise, and teamwork. We take pride in crafting simple, high‑quality food products that offer excellent value — in short, we are an “international good food maker”.

Andros UK
Andros UK is a major supplier of ambient fruit‑based conserves and chilled yogurts and desserts. Our commercial headquarters are located in Hammersmith, and since acquiring the Oldford dairy site (Somerset) in 2008, we have invested heavily in state‑of‑the‑art chilled dessert production lines.

The business has experienced strong and sustained growth, becoming a Top 150 UK food & drink company in 2020. Growth has accelerated across both preserves and desserts categories through the success of Bonne Maman and significant private label activity. Products are either imported or produced at our dedicated chilled desserts site in the South West of England. Ambitious investment plans are in place for the coming years.

Bonne Maman has become the UK market leader in jams (since 2013) and is now a major player in chilled desserts and yogurt. The brand is known for its simple, natural, high‑quality products that evoke warmth, trust, and authenticity.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will have experience in a similar laboratory role, ideally within the Food & Beverage industry. You will demonstrate strong professional maturity, self‑awareness, and the ability to escalate issues promptly to relevant colleagues and senior management.

This position follows a three‑shift rotating pattern:

Monday to Friday: 6am–2pm
Monday to Friday: 2pm–10pm
Sunday to Thursday: 10pm–6am
Please apply only if you can commit to this shift rotation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all laboratory tests within the Chemistry and Microbiology labs
• Prepare media and operate laboratory equipment (Autoclaves, FTIR spectroscopes, NIR spectrometers)
• Conduct environmental and plant hygiene swabs
• Participate in taste panels and manage reference samples
• Work safely at all times, ensuring personal and team safety
• Work independently within planned schedules
• Manage stock rotation, carry out stock takes, and report needs to management
• Maintain lab housekeeping standards and dispose of waste safely
• Use laboratory databases such as LIMS (or similar systems)
• Demonstrate testing competency through internal and external monitoring
• Conduct internal audits according to schedule
• Collate out‑of‑spec results for the daily exception report and distribute accordingly
• Investigate, communicate, and act on non‑conforming results (re‑sampling, re‑testing)
• Apply positive release procedures for ingredients and finished goods
• Respond to product release requests by email or telephone
• Prioritise workload to meet laboratory KPIs

Background and Experience

• Laboratory experience in chemistry or microbiology (ideally in Food & Beverage)
• Good computer literacy
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organisation
• Ability to work under pressure and manage workload to meet testing deadlines
• Ability to follow strict procedures and work under audit conditions

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communicator
• Motivated, enthusiastic and thorough
• Logical and analytical approach
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Determined and results‑driven
• Passionate about contributing to company success
• Ability to positively influence and inspire others
• Organised, proactive and reliable

Location & Hours

• Full‑time role based in Oldford, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2NQ
• Three‑shift rotating pattern (including Bank Holidays)
• Flexibility to support alternative shift patterns, including weekends, when required

Benefits

• Market‑leading products and strong brand portfolio
• Company pension with 6% employer contribution (salary exchange)
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays
• 4x Life Assurance
• Long‑service recognition
• Wellbeing initiatives including free flu jabs, eye tests, contribution toward lenses, legal and financial helpline, mental health support and virtual GP access