Quality Manager

Verdant Specialty Solutions; Halifax; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Quality Manager to lead their Quality Control department. This role is pivotal in ensuring quality standards are met across all operations, requiring a strong background in chemistry, particularly with surfactants. The successful candidate will manage quality performance, develop KPIs, and oversee lab activities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with departmental managers to embed quality practices and drive operational excellence. Join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining high standards in a collaborative environment, where your expertise will directly impact product quality and business success.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus scheme

Pension

Life Assurance x4 salary

25 Days Holiday + Statutory

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience at management level.
• Strong people and performance manager.
• Ability to operate independently with little daily supervision.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages the Quality Control department.
• Develops and tracks quality KPIs to improve performance.
• Conducts audits and gap analyses for compliance.

Skills

Chemistry background

Management experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

IT systems (Office, SAP)

Troubleshooting abilities

Organizational skills

Continuous Improvement techniques

Education

MS or BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

GC (Gas Chromatography)

IR (Infrared Spectroscopy)

Job description

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading, managing and supporting the Quality Control department, managing the Quality Management System, and working with the Departmental Managers to ensure Quality is embedded across all functions within our business. The role requires an individual with a chemistry background, specifically with surfactants. The role provides support to the plant regarding new and existing analytical methods, lab equipment, specifications, technical issues, batch adjustments, raw materials and finished products.

• Responsible for overall quality performance, develops & tracks quality KPIs to improve quality performance
• Establishes lab HSE protocols and verifies lab employee adherence to all site HSE rules, procedures, and training schedules
• Manages day to day activities for the lab, including supervising lab technicians, scheduling, equipment maintenance and calibrations, and managing laboratory chemical inventory
• Analyses samples when needed to fill gaps in lab technician availability
• Maintains job performance standards and provides training and performance feedback for employees to achieve and maintain the required level of proficiency
• Serves as technical contact for batch issues or adjustments, including off-hours phone calls
• Assists with sample requests
• Leads investigations and manages follow up of quality incidents
• Leads customer and quality audits and manages audit follow up
• Responsible for training of internal auditors and management of the schedule
• Works closely with the Departmental Managers to ensure Quality is embedded across all site functions
• Carries out audits and gap analyses to identify areas where Quality is not compliant with our internal quality policies and procedures and implements corrective actions
• Produces and maintains product performance data and metrics to identify where processes could go out of control and opportunities for improvement
• Responsible for existing lab equipment and new purchases
• Participates in development of analytical methods and validations
• Responsible for lab instructions for manufacturing process
• Identifies rework opportunities for slow moving and off grade material into new production
• Works closely with the Technical Services Team and acts as the site quality resource for new product introductions
• Manages quality data in the site ERP system
• Owns site document control process for Quality department, in compliance with company and site standards
• Owns the Quality Management Systems and verifies site adherence to the ISO:9001 and EFfCI standards and quality / lab responsibilities for ISO:14001, Halal, Kosher and RSPO
• Manages adherence to lab waste protocols
• Communicates frequently with site management and other departments
• Drives continuous improvement working closely with the Operations Manager and Production Engineers to identify Quality improvements and cost saving opportunities
  
  
  

Requirements

• MS or BS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Minimum 2 years experience at management level
• Management experience essential
• Strong people and performance manager
• Experience with IT systems including Office and SAP
• Experience with classical wet methods and instrumentation including GC and IR
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Solid analytical and troubleshooting abilities
• Ability to operate independently with little daily supervision
• Ability to lead by influence
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement techniques
• The ability to be flexible as the business operations change and develop
  
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus scheme
• Pension
• Life Assurance x4 salary
• 25 Days Holiday + Statutory
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program