Job Summary
Laboratory Technician
Location: Cliffe Vale, Stoke‑on‑Trent
Salary: Up to £29,712.05 DOE (+ shift allowance of £4,174.82 where applicable)
Hours: Monday–Friday first 3 months, 37.5 hours per week
After 3 months, the role will move to the 72 shift (2 week pattern, 11 hour days including weekends - shift allowance of £4,174.82 is applicable)
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
What we offer
At Imerys, our laboratory roles are critical to maintaining product quality, supporting production and meeting customer requirements.
In return for your skills and experience, you’ll receive:
* Competitive base salary with additional shift allowance where applicable
* 25 days annual leave when on Mon-Fri (7.5 hrs per day). 19 days annual leave, on the shift pattern at the time (11 hrs per shift) - plus bank holidays
* Pension, life cover and income protection
* Private medical insurance and wellbeing support
* Enhanced family leave and carers’ leave
* Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes
* Employee recognition awards and long‑term development opportunities
You’ll also be supported with structured onboarding, in‑house training on laboratory methods and systems, and ongoing development within Quality and Operations.
About our opportunity
We’re looking for a Laboratory Technician to join our Quality and Laboratory team at Cliffe Vale.
This is a site‑based role providing laboratory testing support across a range of approved routine test methods in line with business requirements. You’ll play a key role in ensuring materials meet specification by delivering accurate sample testing, result reporting and technical support to production teams.
Working closely with Operations, Quality and external stakeholders, you’ll also support customer queries and contribute to maintaining high standards of quality, safety and environmental compliance.
What you’ll be doing
Laboratory Testing & Reporting
* Carrying out routine Quality Control test methods on raw materials, semi‑finished and finished goods
* Collecting production samples in a timely manner to support product release
* Accurately entering samples and reporting results using the LIMS database
* Identifying, troubleshooting and escalating any issues affecting test accuracy or sample integrity
Quality & Production Support
* Providing technical and quality advice to production teams to support recipe adjustments and maintain material within specification
* Recognising and acting on deviations from expected results or customer requirements
* Testing internally procured reference samples and taking appropriate follow‑up actions
Equipment, Safety & Compliance
* Ensuring laboratory equipment is maintained and calibrated in line with defined plans
* Working in accordance with ISO9001 Quality, ISO14001 Environmental, and Health & Safety procedures
* Maintaining high standards of housekeeping, cleanliness and organisation (5S)
* Working safely in line with risk assessments, COSHH and Take 5 requirements
What good looks like
This role will suit someone who:
* Enjoys working in a laboratory or quality‑focused environment
* Takes pride in producing accurate, reliable and timely results
* Works methodically with strong attention to detail
* Communicates clearly and confidently with production and quality colleagues
* Is comfortable following defined procedures while applying judgement when issues arise
What you’ll bring
Essential
* GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
* Strong attention to detail and a well‑organised approach to work
* Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines (including month‑end activities)
* Good communication skills and confidence working with production teams
* IT literacy, including Google Workspace and/or Excel
* Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental practices (training provided)
Desirable
* Laboratory experience (ceramics or industrial materials preferred)
* GCSE or higher qualification in Science
* Experience using LIMS or ERP systems (SAP desirable)
* Understanding of SI units, calculations and basic chemical notation
Why Imerys?
At Imerys, quality and safety are fundamental to how we operate. You’ll be joining a business that values technical accuracy, continuous improvement and teamwork — while offering stability, strong benefits and opportunities to grow.
If you’re looking for a laboratory‑based role with responsibility, variety and real impact on production quality, this is an excellent opportunity.
Position Type
Full time
and
Permanent