Senior Laboratory Scientist

Warburtons; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bakery company in Bolton is seeking a Senior Laboratory Scientist to support their Research & Innovation Laboratory. The role involves conducting quality tests and ensuring high standards in product development. Candidates should have a strong background in science with relevant laboratory experience. This position offers competitive salary and various health and well-being perks.

Benefits

Discretionary profit share

Extra annual leave options

Award-winning pension scheme

Life assurance

Product discounts

Access to physiotherapy

Comprehensive occupational health service

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience in academia or industry required.
• Understanding of food manufacturing and scientific applications.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the Research & Innovation Laboratory.
• Conduct testing and audits of ingredient quality.
• Champion Health & Safety in the lab.

Skills

Scientific expertise

Statistical analysis

Strong communication skills

Supplier management

Education

Degree or Master’s in a science or engineering field

Tools

Power BI

Minitab

CAD

Job description

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Title: Senior Laboratory Scientist
Function:Quality
Location: Bolton
Salary:Competitive

Are you an experienced Laboratory Scientist andready for your next challenge and looking for progression?

Join the UK’s most chosen bakery brand and take your career to the next level?

If you’re passionate about quality and want to contribute to a business that’s proud to bake for millions every day, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

The Recipe

At Warburtons, Unbeatable Quality is our defining standard. We never compromise using best in class ingredients, recipes, and processes to ensure every product meets rigorous quality targets. Through evidence led testing, cross functional collaboration, and continuous improvement, we deliver consistent excellence across our bakeries.

You will play a key role in the day to day operations of our Research & Innovation Analysis Laboratory, acting as a technical specialist in delivering best in class analytical solutions. Your work will directly support our Evidence Led themes, which are central to achieving Unbeatable Quality.

By applying your scientific expertise and research skills, you’ll develop and implement processes that generate critical data empowering informed decision making and driving performance across Warburtons.

Key Accountabilities and Measures

• Support the daily operations of the Research & Innovation Laboratory, delivering high-quality data to inform our Evidence-Led Quality Strategy.
• Conduct testing, trials, and audits across DWT and ingredient quality, applying techniques like serial dilutions and ingredient analysis.
• Use tools such as Power BI, AVIVA, and Minitab to analyse and share data that supports Unbeatable Quality KPIs.
• Champion Health & Safety in the lab, ensuring SOPs and risk assessments are current and testing is carried out safely.
• Integrate additive manufacturing into lab and bakery operations, using technologies like CAD and 3D printing.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing capabilities and propose new equipment, working closely with suppliers.
• Collaborate with the A&T team, Test Baking, and Baking Technology Managers to deliver key projects like Period Test Bakes and Wheat Harvest Assessments.
• Degree or Master’s in a science or engineering field (e.g. Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering) preferred or equivalent experience.
• Previous Laboratory experience in academia or industry required.
• Understanding of the baking or food manufacturing industry and food science applications.
• Willingness to gain CAD certification for Additive Manufacturing.
• Skilled in developing objective testing methods and applying statistical analysis (e.g. Minitab) to drive decision making.
• Strong communicator with clear, persuasive written and verbal skills.
• Able to build strong internal and external relationships, ideally with supplier management experience.
• Willing to train in Internal Audit procedures and reporting.

Extra Dough

And last but by no means yeast, you will want to know what your bread is worth:

• A slice of the annual profits (discretionary profit share)
• Family time is important to us and we know it will be to you so you have the opportunity to purchase up to an extra weeks annual leave.
• Award winning pension scheme with company contributions of 7%
• Life assurance
• Products you will love along with deals and discounts for you and the family through our Extra Dough website
• Continued investment in your personal development
• Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy with your daily brew!
• Support for your health and wellbeing, including access to free physiotherapy, 24/7 access to a confidential helpline for practical advice and a comprehensive occupational health service