Location : Ballymena
Job Ref: UDF/2025/504
Employment : Full-Time Permanent
Closing Date : 30 September :00 pm
Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.
At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.
Culture
Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.
Equal Opportunities
The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.
Benefits
In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.
Laboratory Technician
Pennybridge
As part of a dedicated central laboratory team, working within modern purpose-built facilities, you will be responsible for checking, sorting and logging samples received into the laboratory. Specifically, core role duties, will include:
* Product, ingredient and associated environmental samples for testing and microbiological and chemical analysis.
* Preparing media for testing, including specialised testing for projects.
* Collating the results and inputting the data onto the Lab Information Management System
* Maintain associated lab standards in line with accredited lab procedures.
* Completing and following laboratory test procedures
* Complying with health & safety procedures and COSHH regulations
* Completing daily equipment set up, checks and calibration.
Experience Required
The ideal applicate must be third level educated, with an applied science degree preferably in food science or technology, and ideally have chemical and microbiological laboratory experience through either work or academic studies. Previous experience of quality control, HACCP and internal auditing within the food industry would be advantageous.
The Person
You will:
* Work reliably on your own initiative and have the ability to work as part of a successful team
* Have good attention to detail in all aspects of the job
* Be able to work under pressure to complete your duties
* Have a flexible, methodical and 'can-do' approach to work
* Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Work with enthusiasm, passion and in accordance with the Dale Farm values
In return the company offers:
Above statutory limits, paid holidays and customary days, Enchanced Maternity and Paternity pay, Voluntary Private Healthcare Scheme, cycle to work scheme, Staff Wellbeing and EAP, competitive salary, On-site Canteen, Learning and Development opportunities, Pension, Company Uniform, great teamworking environment and Life Assurance.
This is a full-time temporary role and following training, you will work on a: 4 days on and 4 days off, shift pattern.
We promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values
Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability
You can find out more about our organisation on our LinkedIn and Facebook Career pages and on our company website where you will find the link to apply;
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025
We are an Equal Opportunities employer
Only applications from EU Nationals or those with a valid permit to work in the UK will be accepted.
No unsolicited CVs from Agencies please.