At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on lab work to ensure product quality and drive innovation.
- Company: Join Westland Horticulture, a leader in the UK gardening industry.
- Benefits: Supportive team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative company focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: A-Level Chemistry or related degree; lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35194 - 40000 £ per year.
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 an Analytical Chemist 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
- 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
- Minimum 6 months’ laboratory experience (including placements), ideally within manufacturing or industry
- Strong understanding of laboratory procedures and analytical testing
- 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.
Analytical Chemist – Westland Horticulture in Ellesmere Port employer: Gardman Ltd
Westland Horticulture is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the gardening industry. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to high-quality products that support gardeners across the UK. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions truly matter and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Chemist – Westland Horticulture in Ellesmere Port
✨Get Involved in Local Agricultural Communities
Join local farming cooperatives or agricultural societies in your area. By attending their meetings, you can network with industry professionals and learn about potential job openings in the agricultural sector.
✨Showcase Your Expertise at Industry Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and exhibitions. These events are golden opportunities to meet face-to-face with hiring companies like Gardman Ltd. Don’t forget to bring some business cards or a digital portfolio showcasing your hands-on experience in agricultural and forestry sciences.
✨Consider Certification Programs
Enrol in agricultural certification programs to stand out from the crowd. Many employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about ongoing education and relevant certifications, making you a more attractive option for a full-time role.
✨Check Out Career Pages Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Chemist – Westland Horticulture in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Field Work:In the agricultural and forestry sciences field, practical experience is golden. Be sure to highlight any field work, internships, or volunteer opportunities you've had that relate to this area. We want to see your hands-on skills, so don’t forget to sprinkle in any specific tasks you undertook or technologies you used in your applications for Gardman Ltd.
Get Technical with Your Qualifications:In your CV and cover letter, dive into any relevant technical skills or certifications you've gained. If you've got knowledge in areas like soil science, pest management, or environmental conservation, flaunt it! Listing out specific qualifications and how they tie into the role can really set you apart from the rest when applying for Analytical Chemist – Westland Horticulture at Gardman Ltd.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement or cover letter should reflect your passion for the agricultural and forestry sciences. Talk about why you're excited about the role and how you envision contributing to Gardman Ltd. This is your chance to showcase your motivation and cultural fit, so keep it engaging and genuine!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we love to see your personality shine through in applications, remember to maintain a level of professionalism in your writing. Use clear and concise language, and make sure your application materials for Analytical Chemist – Westland Horticulture at Gardman Ltd are free from jargon unless necessary. This will help the hiring team easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardman Ltd
✨Know Your Crops!
Make sure you brush up on the specific crops, soils, and pest management strategies relevant to the role in agricultural sciences at Gardman Ltd. Be prepared to discuss your practical experiences with eco-friendly farming techniques, as this will demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices – something that’s becoming increasingly important in our field.
✨Showcase Your Field Work
Since this is a full-time role, it’s vital to bring along your portfolio showcasing any projects or research you've conducted. Talk about your hands-on experience in the field, whether it’s data collection, experimentation, or working with farmers. This not only illustrates your knowledge but also your willingness to get your hands dirty!
✨Embrace Tech in Agriculture
The agricultural sector is rapidly embracing technology, so don’t shy away from discussing tools like GIS, remote sensing, or precision agriculture software you’ve used. Highlighting your tech-savviness can set you apart, especially at a forward-thinking company like Gardman Ltd.
✨Passion for Sustainability
Full-time roles demand a genuine passion for what you do, especially in agriculture where sustainability is key. Be ready to share your ideas on how to improve agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to food security. Showing your long-term vision for the industry can really impress the interviewers at Gardman Ltd.
