Westland Horticulture is a market leader in the UK gardening industry, known for delivering high-quality growing media, fertilisers, and plant care products. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and product excellence, we are proud to support gardeners across the UK and beyond.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Technical Laboratory Officer to join our Technical Team and play a key role in maintaining product quality and driving innovation within our manufacturing operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a scientific background who enjoys hands-on laboratory work in a fast-paced production environment. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of our products through a range of analytical testing and process controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment and process controls
• Carry out routine and monthly analysis on raw materials and finished goods
• Identify non-conforming materials and support corrective actions
• Monitor growing media and fertiliser production to ensure specifications are met
• Maintain strict contamination control standards
• Support continuous improvement and innovation within the Technical Team
• Manage laboratory documentation including SOPs, training records, and H&S compliance
• Maintain product specifications, labelling, and packaging information
• Support GMP audits and work with H&S teams to resolve issues
• Review production data to ensure compliance with internal and legal standards
• Support new product development (NPD) and technical trials
• Conduct batch release and in-process testing
• Provide technical support to production teams
• Maintain COSHH and MSDS documentation
• Operate and maintain the Fertiliser Pilot Plant
• Manage retained samples for stability testing and complaint investigations

About You

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Strong communicator with the ability to work across multiple teams
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Able to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment
• A collaborative team player with a hands-on approach

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 6 months’ laboratory experience (including placements), ideally within manufacturing or industry
• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures and analytical testing

Desirable:

• Experience with Ion Chromatography or HPLC
• Knowledge of calibration standards and analytical techniques
• A-Level Chemistry (minimum); degree in Chemistry, Life Sciences, or related field preferred
• Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment

Why Join Westland?

At Westland, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking, innovative business where quality and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a real impact within a growing organisation.