QC Manager

Alchem Partners; Leek; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alchem Partners is seeking a Quality Control Manager to own site QC systems and laboratory operations, while developing the analysts who support day-to-day manufacturing. You will collaborate with operations on product quality, customer investigations and environmental monitoring to ensure decisions are based on reliable analytical information.

This role suits a technically strong leader who enjoys developing people and taking responsibility for the whole QC function, including budgets, audits

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• At least five years of laboratory experience in the chemical industry.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, experience of internal and external QHSE auditing, and the ability to lead improvement activities.
• Confident with Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Practical, collaborative approach with the ability to coach others and communicate clearly across the site.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations, balancing workloads and resources against manufacturing needs.
• Coach and train QC analysts, maintaining competence and consistent testing standards.
• Oversee testing of raw materials, intermediates and finished products, alongside environmental and site service analysis.
• Manage specifications, inspection results and concessions, and support supplier approval and customer complaint investigations.
• Manage QC budgets and equipment servicing needs, and support audits, environmental systems and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Lab management

Quality systems

Communication

Auditing

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Alchem Partners is working with an established chemical manufacturer to appoint a Quality Control Manager. This is an opportunity to take ownership of site QC systems and laboratory operations, while developing the analysts who support day‑to‑day manufacturing.

Your remit will extend beyond testing. You will work closely with operations on product quality, customer investigations and environmental monitoring, helping the site make sound decisions from reliable analytical information.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations, balancing workloads and resources against manufacturing needs.
• Coach and train QC analysts, maintaining competence and consistent testing standards.
• Oversee testing of raw materials, intermediates and finished products, alongside environmental and site service analysis.
• Manage specifications, inspection results and concessions, and support supplier approval and customer complaint investigations.
• Manage QC budgets and equipment servicing needs, and support audits, environmental systems and continuous improvement.

The Candidate

• A degree or equivalent in chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• At least five years of laboratory experience within the chemical industry.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, experience of internal and external QHSE auditing, and the ability to lead improvement activities.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and SAP.
• A practical, collaborative approach and the ability to coach others and communicate clearly across the site.

This will suit someone who enjoys combining technical judgement with people development and wants responsibility for the whole QC function.