Laboratory & Quality Control Technician 2026

Full Time

This is an excellent opportunity to join the full-time team of one of England’s leading Sparkling Wine producers, in a position that enables a successful candidate to learn and be involved in all sectors of the winery through provision of Laboratory and Quality Control services. This position would consequently allow someone with no experience of the wine industry to learn key skills that affect all winery areas or provide a platform to someone with existing winery experience to develop their skills in the critical areas of analysis and quality accreditation.

Join our Team

Hattingley Valley has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most successful wineries, winning over 200 industry awards for its still and sparkling wines, which are enjoyed throughout the UK and exported internationally to 16 countries.

The Role

This role encompasses a joint position, splitting time between wine analysis in the Laboratory and assisting with the administration of the Quality Control programme for our ongoing SALSA accreditation.

The overall scope of this role is to support to the Laboratory & Quality Control Manager by providing both laboratory analysis and quality assurance to Hattingley Valley, its clients and Custom Crush external customers.

The role will require flexibility and will subsequently allow the candidate to obtain wide-ranging skills and hands-on experience. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate superior organisational skills, be extremely detail oriented, and able to perform high volume, precise analytical work under pressure with calm confidence, speed and accuracy. In addition, the ideal candidate should share our focus and commitment to continuous quality and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

- Perform all type of non-routine/routine chemical and physical analysis of grapes, juice and wines, as well as assuring quality control in accordance with SALSA accreditation guidelines.

- Calibration, maintenance and daily monitoring of lab equipment.

- Daily cleaning and sanitisation of the laboratory and its equipment.

- Perform different type of bench-scale trials.

- Contribute to and write SOP and Risk Assessment Reviews.

- Daily brix and temperature monitoring of fermenting tanks and barrels during harvest.

- Preparation of reagents, enzymes and standards.

- Capable of independently operating lab instruments/equipment.

- Assist with administrative tasks, such as data collection and analyses reports.

- Able to follow detailed written methods and procedures in the laboratory.

- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of the company's and client’s information and intellectual property.

- Run the day-to-day administration of the SALSA accreditation process, ensuring all departments are submitting the relevant paperwork and adhering to the requirements.

- Able to follow all Health & Safety rules, regulations and policies.

Academic Qualifications

The candidate is required to hold:
- 5 GCSEs including Maths and English and at least one A-level in a science-related subject that requires relevant laboratory experience (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biosciences);

- OR a technical wine qualification,
such as an FdSc or BSc in Viticulture & Oenology.

Experience

Preferred Experience

- Proven administrative skills, preferably in a
production-related role within the food & beverage industry that operates under a similar quality control accreditation to SALSA or BRCGS.  

Essential Experience

- Availability to work flexible schedules when
required, especially during critical times such as harvest and bottling.

- A strong work ethic, attention to detail, time
management, teamwork skills, adaptability and initiative are a must in a role
that requires the successful candidate to work independently, yet within set
guidelines provided by the Laboratory & Quality Control Manager.

- Customer support combined with verbal and written communication skills are required, to provide the right support to
Custom Crush laboratory clients.

- Computer literacy is essential, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams and Outlook.

- Ability to work under pressure at times, such as harvest or bottling, is essential.

Workplace requirements

- Candidates must be able to stand for long periods of over 2 hours, and lift 25kgs in a working environment that is both indoors and outdoors.

- Driving licence and own transportation essential due to rural location of the winery.

- Full existing right to live and work in the UK is essential. Please note that we are unable to sponsor work visa applications.

Salary, Hours & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Training is offered where necessary to do the job.

Hours: 37.5 hours Monday to Friday 8.30 to 4.30 – with additional hours as required at busy times.

Benefits: Company pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday plus all Public Holidays, staff wine allowance and discounts.

How TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted to Claudia Lopes, Laboratory and Quality Control Manager.

Please apply by email to: claudia.lopes@hattingleyvalley.co.uk

We will endeavour to reply to all applications sent to the email address above.

Wield Yard, Lower Wield, nr Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9RX, UK

tel: +44(0)1256 389188

Meet the Team