Quality Control Lead

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Department: Quality

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

Reporting To: QHSE Manager

Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Personnel Management

• Operational Oversight: Manage the daily workflow of the QC Laboratory, prioritizing 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 minimize 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: Candidates with 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