Lab Technician (m/w/d)
Location:
Hamburg, DE, 20539
At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!
Lab Technician
The Lab Technician is responsible for conducting a wide range of physical and chemical analyses to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods. This role plays a critical part in maintaining product standards and supporting production decisions through accurate and timely laboratory testing.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Perform routine and non-routine laboratory analyses, including raw material inspection, in-process control, and final product verification
2. Ensure analytical results are accurate, plausible, and documented in accordance with internal protocols
3. Communicate test results promptly to production staff and shift leaders to support real-time decision-making
4. Approve liquid products based on predefined specifications and generate analysis certificates using SAP
5. Conduct quality checks on packaging materials to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards
6. Calibrate laboratory instruments and production measurement devices; identify and resolve technical issues when necessary
7. Manage inventory of laboratory chemicals, consumables, and retain samples; ensure proper storage and documentation
8. Maintain cleanliness, safety, and order within the laboratory environment in line with internal hygiene standards
9. Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of laboratory procedures
10. Carry out additional tasks as assigned by the QA Manager or team leader
Required Qualifications:
11. Completed vocational training in one of the following fields: Chemical-Technical Assistant, Laboratory Technician, FALET, Chemical Technician, or a comparable qualification
12. Prior experience in a laboratory setting is beneficial but not mandatory
13. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Word and Excel
14. Familiarity with SAP or other laboratory information systems is an advantage
15. Fluent German & communicative English
Personal Competencies:
16. Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in analytical work
17. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently
18. Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
19. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules
20. Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and integrity
Working Relationships:
The Lab Technician collaborates daily with production operators, loaders, fellow lab technicians, shift leaders, and QA department staff. These interactions are essential for coordinating analysis results, releasing products, and ensuring smooth operational flow.
Reporting Line: Reports directly to the QA Manager