At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our QC lab, ensuring top-notch product quality and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Holiferm, a pioneer in sustainable biosurfactants, transforming the surfactant market.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, autonomy, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on teamwork and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Chemistry, strong analytical skills, and a passion for quality.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About Holiferm
Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market - moving the industry away from fossil fuel-based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth. When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment - whether you're in our R&D lab in Manchester or our commercial plant in Wallasey. You’ll have the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
We’re looking for a proactive and highly skilled Technical Quality Lead to manage our onsite QC laboratory and drive technical excellence across the manufacturing process. You’ll ensure the accurate and timely delivery of testing, documentation, and product release, as well as lead the development of technical knowledge to support process optimisation. You’ll act as the onsite expert in process chemistry, ensuring that all finished material meets internal and external standards - safe, legal, and compliant. The role is both strategic and hands‑on, encompassing lab work, problem solving, and continuous improvement. You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading the Manufacturing QC Lab team to deliver timely routine testing, product release documentation, technical investigations, action plan implementation and process optimisation.
- Managing the site lab, lab staff, and technical service contracts to ensure smooth, in‑budget operation and support for on‑time‑in‑full delivery of final products.
- Carrying out laboratory testing and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Acting as the on‑site subject matter expert in manufacturing process chemistry.
- Providing customer‑facing technical support and partnering with commercial colleagues where needed to ensure business continuity.
- Developing a strong quality culture within Operations by partnering closely with the Production Operations Manager.
- Overseeing all site technical contracts and ensuring delivery against KPIs.
- Identifying opportunities within processes and customer‑specific procedures, and helping to develop innovative, practical solutions.
About You
You’re a technically excellent, detail‑oriented scientist with strong analytical capability and a passion for quality. You enjoy being hands‑on in the lab while also influencing processes, people, and systems. You bring a positive and solutions‑focused mindset, and you’re motivated by improving standards and developing others.
What You’re Great At (Essential)
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with working knowledge of quality management.
- Strong organic chemistry knowledge and analytical capability, with a logical and structured approach to decision making.
- Working HPLC knowledge.
- High attention to detail and a natural curiosity for problem solving.
- Strong leadership qualities—responsible, reliable, flexible, and with a strong work ethic.
- Confident communication style, able to question, challenge, and influence change.
- Highly motivated and analytical, with the ability to work under challenging time constraints.
- Passion for continuous improvement and enhancing existing processes.
It’s a Bonus If You Also Have…
- Knowledge of fermentation processes.
- Experience improving or implementing quality systems within a manufacturing setting.
- Familiarity with lab management systems or quality documentation tools.
- Experience supporting or managing customer technical enquiries.
How You Work
You work safely, proactively, and collaboratively. You support others, communicate clearly, and help build a quality‑driven environment. You balance independence with teamwork and bring a strong problem‑solving approach.
And It’s Not Just Words – Our Culture Really Works This Way
We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork – but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. People here look out for each other, share knowledge freely, and celebrate wins together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is welcomed, and you’ll always have the support you need to do your best work. Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall – it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.
Not sure you tick every box? No worries. We know job adverts can sometimes make great people doubt themselves. If this role sounds exciting and you’ve got most of what we’re after, we’d really love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.
Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities
Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments—whether during the application process or at interview, just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self.
Timeline
Applications will be accepted until the 01st June. Written assessments start on the 03rd June. Competency interviews start on the 8th June. Expected On‑site interviews start on the 11th June.
Technical Quality Lead in Birkenhead employer: Holiferm
At Holiferm, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive culture that encourages collaboration and celebrates achievements, all while working towards a sustainable future in the surfactant industry. Located in Manchester and Wallasey, we provide our team with the autonomy and resources needed to make a meaningful impact in their roles, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Quality Lead in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Holiferm and its products. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in joining the Holiferm team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Quality Lead in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Technical Quality Lead role. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Holiferm!
Showcase Your Passion for Quality:In your application, let us know about your passion for quality and continuous improvement. Share specific examples of how you've driven change or improved processes in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Holiferm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holiferm
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your organic chemistry knowledge and be ready to discuss how it applies to the role. Holiferm is looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong understanding of process chemistry, so prepare examples of how you've used this knowledge in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Quality Lead, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed a team or project. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a quality-driven environment.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills. Prepare to share examples of challenges you've faced in the lab and how you approached them. Highlight your logical and structured decision-making process.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Holiferm values innovation and continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or contributed to that improved processes or quality systems. Show your passion for enhancing existing practices and how you can bring that mindset to their team.
