LABORATORY AND QC TECHNICIAN - KENT

LABORATORY AND QC TECHNICIAN

Do you love English Sparkling wine and want to play your part in maintaining and developing our award-winning quality wines?

We are recruiting a Laboratory and QC Technician who will be instrumental in conducting all quality control and laboratory analysis from grape receival through to final packaging.

Located in Tenterden, you will be responsible for delivering the sample plan for our wines and work closely with our winemaking team to ensure the delivery of high-quality results essential for informed decision making in relation to our wines. 

About You

We are seeking a proactive, organised and driven individual with an excellent understanding of quality control testing within a production environment.  With strong analytical skills, accuracy and attention to detail, you will be able to test and provide precise data to our winemaking team helping to maintain product integrity, consistency, and compliance with quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine analysis on juice, fermenting wine, bulk wine, and finished products.
• Carry out and interpret tests including (but not limited to): pH, TA, RS, SO₂ (free/total), ABV, Spectrophotometry, FTIR.
• Prepare, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment
• Accurately record, interpret, and communicate results to the Winemaker and Production team in a timely manner.
• Support production decisions with reliable analytical data and trend monitoring.
• Conduct quality checks at multiple production stages (e.g. Fermentation, filtration, blending).
• Conduct thorough investigations to identify root causes of quality control non-compliance or deviations in food safety standards. 
• Assist with method development, validation, and implementation of new analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, SOP, and ensure compliance with accreditation and audit requirements.
• Assist with wine stability and sensory trials in collaboration with the winemaking team.
• Ensure health and safety compliance within the laboratory environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of quality control within a beverage or food production environment, ideally wine based but not essential
• Oenological knowledge
• Familiar with working to a Food Safety/Quality Standard
• Able to act on own initiative, be proactive and work as part of a team
• Be able to communicate results and discuss openly ways to improve ways of working
• Able to work under pressure and maintain a flexible approach 
• HACCP and COSHH understanding
• Familiarity with common wine analysis methods and equipment
• Ability to present and interpret data and provide actionable recommendations
• Competent in record keeping, reporting, and use of Microsoft Office (Excel essential).
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and adaptable to changing workloads and high throughput periods. 

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of winery operations and winemaking processes.
• Sensory evaluation skills for wine tasting panels
• Experience with SALSA and BRC accreditation 

What we can offer you:

This is a permanent role with the following: 

• Competitive salary
• Performance related annual bonus
• 25 days’ holiday plus a day off on your birthday
• Wine allowance
• Employee Discount 
• Company pension
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company social events

Location

Tenterden, Kent

About Chapel Down

Chapel Down is England’s leading and largest wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. 

Chapel Down’s status as the most recognised English wine brand is supported by its partnerships with flagship sporting and cultural events including Ascot, The Boat Race and Pub In The Park and Chapel Down is the ‘Official Sparkling Wine’ of the England and Wales Cricket Board. Our products are widely available in the premium off trade, as well as being served in some of the UK’s finest bars and restaurants.  

The Company also welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors a year for winery tours and tastings at its brand home and retail experience in Tenterden, Kent.

Chapel Down is proud to be recognised as a Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work’ in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

If this sounds like your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Please forward your application, highlighting your key experience and achievements via email: [email protected]