Laboratory Technician (Colour / Textiles)
Join the company’s laboratory team as a Colour Technician, supporting textile manufacturing through colour matching, shade assessment, colour correction, quality control and production support using laboratory testing and technical judgement.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Shade Matcher, Colour Matcher, Colour Control Technician, Textile Technician, Lab Technician, Coatings Technician, Textile Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Technician, Coatings Lab Technician, Colourist, Lab Colourist
This role is known internally as a Colour Technician
SALARY: £14.16 per Hour + Benefits
LOCATION: Stockport, Greater Manchester, North West England
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 40 hours per week, 7.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (1 hour – Unpaid Lunch Break)
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Laboratory Technician supporting a busy laboratory within a fast‑paced textile manufacturing environment.
As a Laboratory Technician you will carry out colour matching, shade assessment, colour correction and laboratory testing on coated and uncoated fabrics using visual checks, spectrophotometer readings and light booths.
You will act as the link between laboratory and production, preparing works orders, recording results and escalating colour issues clearly and promptly.
This Laboratory Technician position suits someone with strong quality control, technical judgement and organisation skills who enjoys solving practical colour challenges.
DUTIES
* Colour Assessment: Assess coated and uncoated textile samples against approved standards using visual and instrumental methods
* Pass/Fail Decisions: Determine whether samples meet tolerance levels or require correction
* Shade Correction: Adjust colours or recommend rework where samples fall outside acceptable standards
* Laboratory and Production Liaison: Act as the link between teams, ensuring colour requirements and outcomes are clearly communicated
* Issue Reporting: Escalate colour failures, repeat issues and observations to laboratory management
* Works Order Processing: Prepare and check works orders, confirming quantities and communicating changes
* Sample Handling: Prepare, label and retain samples for approval, comparison and investigation
* Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and traceable documentation of assessments, approvals and corrections
* Technical Support: Provide practical colour-related support and feedback to production teams
* Material Checks and Housekeeping: Carry out raw material checks and maintain an organised, well‑stocked work area
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
* Experience in colour matching, shade assessment and correction within a manufacturing environment
* Hands‑on experience with colour samples, textile substrates and laboratory or production testing
* Ability to make clear pass/fail decisions and elevate when required
* Able to communicate findings clearly to production and laboratory teams
* High level of accuracy when assessing shades and recording results
* Familiar with spectrophotometers, light booths and visual colour evaluation
* Able to manage multiple samples and maintain accurate records
* Competent in Microsoft Excel and Word
* Works effectively with laboratory and production colleagues
* Follows laboratory procedures, quality standards and safety requirements
* Background in textiles, coatings or colour‑controlled manufacturing
* Qualification or training in a related discipline
DESIRABLE
* Familiar with X‑Rite systems and colour software such as Colour iControl
* Awareness of textile coating or pigment application processes
BENEFITS
* Auto‑enrolled into the Stakeholder Pension Scheme (the company contributes 4%)
* 28 days holiday (including statutory), rising by one day after one completed year of service
* Life assurance covering 1 × annual salary
* 3‑month probationary period
* Free car parking
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering counselling support, legal guidance and medical advice from qualified nurses, for you and your immediate family
* Mental Health First Aiders available to provide support and guidance
* Access to discounted gym membership through a corporate partner
* Discounted blinds and shutters, upon successful completion of your probationary period
* Peer‑to‑Peer Recognition Programme
* Free Flu Jab voucher every autumn
* Christmas Savings Scheme
* NHS Health Checks
JOB REF: AWDO-P14639
#J-18808-Ljbffr