Chemistry Laboratory Lead - Quality & Innovation

Kendal Nutricare Ltd; Kendal; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendal Nutricare Ltd., a leading infant nutrition business, seeks a Head of Chemistry Laboratory to lead analytical testing, method development, and regulatory compliance. You will oversee a team of Chemistry Analysts, drive CAPAs, and deliver strategic lab projects including a new facility and a LIMS implementation.

Reporting to the Quality Director, you will ensure GMP/GLP/ISO 17025 adherence, data integrity, and continuous improvement across QC operations while partnering with R&D, Regulatory

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in QC, Laboratory Management, or Quality Leadership within infant nutrition, pharmaceutical, FMCG, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience in analytical method development, validation, and transfer.
• Experience with laboratory set-up, LIMS implementation, and project management.
• Knowledge of HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer, GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, and data integrity principles.
• Proven people leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all chemical and analytical testing activities for raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, validation studies, and stability programmes.
• Own analytical methods, including method development, validation, transfer, verification, and continuous improvement.
• Review and approve OOS, OOT, root cause investigations, and CAPA activities to ensure effective resolution and prevention.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Chemistry Analysts, building technical capability and maintaining high standards of laboratory performance.
• Deliver key laboratory projects, including the commissioning of a new laboratory facility and the implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Manage laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance programmes, reference standards, and reagent controls.
• Partner with R&D to support innovation projects, evaluate new ingredients, develop testing strategies, and establish product specifications.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, data integrity principles, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Lead laboratory audits, inspection readiness activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor analytical trends and recommend improvements to testing methods, specifications, sampling plans, and quality systems.
• Manage laboratory budgets, resources, and operational performance to support business objectives.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment through effective EHS management and compliance with health and safety requirements.

Skills

People leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical method development

LIMS implementation

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related

Tools

LIMS

HPLC

GC

FTIR

Karl Fischer

Job description

Kendal Nutricare Ltd., a leading infant nutrition business, seeks a Head of Chemistry Laboratory to lead analytical testing, method development, and regulatory compliance. You will oversee a team of Chemistry Analysts, drive CAPAs, and deliver strategic lab projects including a new facility and a LIMS implementation.

Reporting to the Quality Director, you will ensure GMP/GLP/ISO 17025 adherence, data integrity, and continuous improvement across QC operations while partnering with R&D, Regulatory