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- Tasks: Lead the QC lab, ensuring safety and compliance while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Wychem, an innovative company focused on quality and growth in the chemical industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous holidays, and a solid pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quality control and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Chemistry or related field; 5+ years of relevant experience preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a Quality Control (QC) Lead to join our operations team. Reporting directly to the QHSE Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the QC laboratory in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This role is essential to our quality systems, requiring a blend of advanced analytical expertise, rigorous scientific documentation, and proactive team leadership. As the QC Lead, you will ensure the highest standards of safety and ISO9001 compliance while performing chemical analysis using GC, HPLC, KF, FTIR, and titrations. Beyond the bench, you will be responsible for mentoring staff, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and driving continuous improvement to support production, R&D, and the company's global growth.
Responsibilities
- Operational Oversight: Manage the daily workflow of the QC Laboratory, prioritising tasks based on production schedules and management needs to ensure deadline-driven targets are met.
- Team Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and train QC Analysts; set clear performance expectations and proactively identify and bridge capability gaps.
- Safety & Compliance: Champion a safety-first culture by ensuring strict adherence to company procedures, health and safety guidelines, and ISO9001 standards.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Oversee laboratory costs and stock levels, identifying opportunities for savings and ensuring resources are available to support continuous operations.
- High-Level Analysis: Conduct precise testing of raw materials, intermediates, and final products using GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations.
- Data Integrity: Critically review and interpret analytical data to identify trends, shifts, or outliers, ensuring all results are fit for purpose and accurately recorded in the ERP system.
- Method Development: Create, update, and validate analytical methods and specifications for various instrumentation to ensure robust, repeatable processes.
- Equipment Stewardship: Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on critical laboratory equipment, including GCs, HPLCs, and gas generators.
- External Liaison: Coordinate with external suppliers and contractors for the preventive maintenance, calibration, and timely repair of instrumentation to minimise downtime.
- Cross-Functional Support: Act as a technical resource for Production and R&D, providing responsive troubleshooting and scientific insight for complex chemical or process issues.
- Technical Writing: Author and review technical documentation, including SOPs, Work Instructions (WIs), and quality policies.
- Audit Readiness: Manage quality records, including non-conformances and compliance reports; drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and participate in internal/external audits.
- Process Improvement: Proactively identify and implement efficiencies in methodology or instrumentation to advance laboratory capabilities and company growth.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Essential Qualifications & Education: BSc in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline with a strong foundation in organic chemistry.
- Equivalent Experience: 5+ years of relevant vocational experience in analytical and organic chemistry will also be considered.
- Technical Proficiency: Proven experience in the operation of GC, HPLC, KF, FTIR, titrations, and analytical balances.
- Maintenance Skills: Basic knowledge of the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of GCs, HPLCs, and gas generators.
- Industry Background: Prior experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably in fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
- Safety Awareness: Familiarity with the hazards associated with handling potentially hazardous chemicals and materials (COSHH).
- Quality Systems: A solid understanding of QC quality systems, specifically ISO 9001:2015.
- Technical Standards: Understanding of method development and validation protocols.
- Communication & IT: Strong command of written and spoken English; proficient in Office 365 (specifically Word and Excel).
- Work Management: Exceptional prioritisation skills with the ability to manage a varied workload in a deadline-driven environment.
Desirable Criteria
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay + company bonus scheme
- 7% employer pension contribution
- 25 days holidays, plus 8 days bank holiday
- Life Insurance (4x Salary)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Free parking
Quality Control Lead in Newmarket employer: Ascensus Specialties LLC
Contact Detail:
Ascensus Specialties LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Control Lead in Newmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Quality Control Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their quality systems and be ready to discuss how your experience with GC, HPLC, and ISO9001 compliance can contribute to their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to team leadership and process improvement. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process. Let’s get you that Quality Control Lead position!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Control Lead in Newmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your analytical expertise and any relevant experience with GC, HPLC, and other techniques. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality control and how your background makes you the perfect fit for the QC Lead role. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage a QC lab effectively. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've improved processes or mentored team members.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascensus Specialties LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your analytical chemistry knowledge, especially around GC, HPLC, and FTIR. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the equipment but can also apply your expertise in a practical setting.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a QC Lead, you'll be mentoring others, so think of examples where you've successfully led a team or trained someone. Prepare to share how you set performance expectations and helped bridge capability gaps. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on a leadership role.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with ISO9001 standards and safety protocols relevant to handling chemicals. Be prepared to discuss how you've championed safety in previous roles. This will highlight your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, which is crucial for this position.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Think of specific challenges you've faced in a lab setting and how you resolved them. Whether it's troubleshooting equipment or improving processes, having concrete examples will show your analytical thinking and ability to support production and R&D effectively.
