Laboratory Technician
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Department: Laboratory / Technical
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Days worked: Monday to Sunday on a five-day rotating basis
Shift times: Weekday shifts rotate between 05:30, 06:00, 07:00 and 12:00; Saturday at 08:00; Sunday at 06:00
Join Our Laboratory Team Cotteswold Dairy is looking for a reliable, accurate and detail-focused Laboratory Technician to join our busy Laboratory team in Tewkesbury.
This is an important role within our Technical Department, helping to ensure the safety, quality and compliance of our raw milk and pasteurised dairy products. You will support the delivery of a high-quality laboratory service through routine sampling, microbiological testing, compositional testing and chemical testing within a fast-paced dairy manufacturing environment.
If you take pride in accuracy, enjoy working to clear standards and want to be part of a team that genuinely cares about quality, food safety and doing things the right way, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.
About Cotteswold Dairy Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent, family-owned dairies. Based in Tewkesbury, we produce and distribute fresh dairy products to customers, wholesale buyers and depots across the UK.
Our Laboratory team plays a vital part in protecting product quality, food safety and customer confidence. From testing raw milk to monitoring pasteurised products, the team helps ensure that our products meet company, customer and legislative standards every day.
The Role - Laboratory Technician As a Laboratory Technician at Cotteswold Dairy, you will carry out a range of laboratory duties to support quality control, food safety and legal compliance. You will work closely with the Laboratory Manager and wider Technical team, following strict laboratory procedures, Good Laboratory Practice standards and food safety requirements.
The role will involve sampling and testing dairy products, recording and interpreting results, maintaining accurate records and helping to ensure that laboratory areas remain clean, organised and compliant.
Key Responsibilities • Carry out sampling and testing of raw milk and pasteurised dairy products
- Complete microbiological testing using aseptic techniques
- Carry out compositional and chemical testing, including butterfat content, freezing point depression, alkaline phosphatase activity and antibiotic residue testing
- Accurately interpret and record laboratory results
- Monitor HACCP controls and support food safety compliance
- Carry out water testing using titration methods
- Complete and issue customer Certificates of Analysis based on laboratory results
- Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, tidy and compliant condition
- Follow COSHH, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Good Laboratory Practice requirements
- Communicate clearly with the Laboratory Manager, Technical team and wider business where required
- Undertake any other reasonable laboratory duties to support the efficient operation of the department
What We’re Looking For • Excellent attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and precision
- Ability to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks at the same time
- A positive, proactive attitude with a high level of commitment and motivation
- Confidence working both independently and as part of a team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to work a rotating shift pattern, including weekend shifts
- Ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining high standards
- Willingness to participate in sensory testing, including the evaluation of pasteurised dairy products
Desirable Skills and Experience • Previous laboratory experience, ideally within the dairy or food industry
- Understanding of standard laboratory practices and accurate record keeping
- Knowledge of microbiology, food hygiene and food safety principles
- Understanding of HACCP and quality control standards
- Knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes and quality standards
- GCSEs or equivalent in English, Mathematics and Science
- A-Level or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific subject
Previous laboratory experience would be advantageous, but full training will be provided for the right candidate with the right attitude, accuracy and willingness to learn.
Training and Development Cotteswold Dairy offers clear progression pathways and development opportunities within every role. You will receive practical training and support to help you build your laboratory knowledge, broaden your skill set and develop within the business.
As part of this role, you will complete relevant training including COSHH, Level 2 Food Safety and Level 2 HACCP. You may also have the opportunity to attend our Dairy Science course, supporting your understanding of dairy production, quality and food safety standards.
You will be guided step-by-step by the Laboratory Manager and wider Technical team, helping you develop confidence, technical ability and a strong understanding of laboratory procedures within a dairy manufacturing environment.
Food Hygiene Requirement Due to food hygiene regulations, only one solid wedding band is permitted. No other jewellery or piercings may be worn in production or laboratory areas.
Benefits • Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and development
- 22 days holiday plus bank holiday allowance, with an additional day after 3 years of service
- Refer-a-friend bonus scheme, up to £500 per referral
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted products and delivery options
- Enhanced pension scheme via salary exchange
- Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health, including claim back options for medical, optical and dental expenses
- Training, development and support from an experienced Laboratory and Technical team
Apply Today If you are accurate, reliable and interested in working in a quality-focused laboratory environment, we would like to hear from you.
Join Cotteswold Dairy and help us maintain the high standards of product safety, quality and customer confidence that our business is built on.
Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.
Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.
At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations.
More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.
