Quality Lead – Cambridge

Quality Lead – Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wagstaff Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the QC lab, ensuring high standards and supporting production priorities.
  • Company: Established manufacturer in the chemical sector with a focus on quality.
  • Benefits: Up to £50k salary, 15% bonus, 33 days holiday, and healthcare.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a team and solving technical challenges.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or relevant experience; strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

A well‐established manufacturer in the chemical sector is seeking a Quality Control (QC) Lead to oversee day‐to‐day laboratory operations. This role is ideal for an experienced analytical chemist who enjoys leading small teams, solving technical challenges, and ensuring high laboratory standards.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the daily workflow of the QC laboratory and support production priorities
  • Carry out analytical testing using GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titration techniques
  • Review data, identify trends, and ensure accurate documentation in the ERP system
  • Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instruments (GCs, HPLCs, gas generators etc.)
  • Coordinate with external engineers for calibration and service work
  • Write and update SOPs, work instructions, and other quality documentation
  • Support audits, manage non‐conformances, and drive CAPA activity
  • Mentor and develop QC Analysts while promoting a safety‐first culture

Essential

  • Degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry, or relevant industry experience
  • Strong hands‐on experience with GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, titrations
  • Understanding of method development and validation
  • Experience working in a manufacturing or process‐driven environment
  • Knowledge of COSHH and safe chemical handling
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems
  • Confident communicator with strong organisational skills
  • Proficient with Office 365

Desirable

  • MSc or similar advanced qualification
  • 5+ years' experience in a QC laboratory (chemical or pharmaceutical)
  • Experience training or mentoring other analysts
  • Strong record of troubleshooting complex analytical issues

Quality Lead – Cambridge employer: Wagstaff Recruitment

Join a well-established manufacturer in the chemical sector as a Quality Lead in Cambridge, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, healthcare, and a pension scheme, this role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team while tackling technical challenges in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment. Embrace a culture of safety and continuous improvement, making a meaningful impact in your field.

Wagstaff Recruitment

Contact Details:

Wagstaff Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Quality Lead – Cambridge

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the chemical sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Quality Lead role. 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 brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves analytical techniques like GC and HPLC, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've tackled challenges in the lab. Show them you're the expert they need!

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! As a Quality Lead, you'll be mentoring QC Analysts, so think of examples where you've led teams or improved processes. We want to see that you can inspire others while maintaining high standards.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team in Cambridge.

We think you need these skills to ace Quality Lead – Cambridge

Analytical Chemistry
GC (Gas Chromatography)
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
KF (Karl Fischer Titration)
Titration Techniques
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Lead role. Highlight your experience with GC, HPLC, and other analytical techniques, as well as any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

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 our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience in mentoring and developing others.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve a process or lead a successful project? We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wagstaff Recruitment

Know Your Techniques

Make sure you brush up on your analytical techniques like GC, HPLC, and FTIR. Be ready to discuss how you've used these methods in past roles, as well as any troubleshooting experiences you've had with these instruments.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Quality Lead, you'll be expected to mentor and develop your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or trained others in the past. Highlight your ability to promote a safety-first culture and how you’ve managed workflow in a lab setting.

Understand Quality Standards

Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001 quality systems and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles and how you ensure compliance in laboratory operations.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex technical information in an understandable way, especially when discussing data trends and documentation.