Senior Laboratory Scientist

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

Job summary

A leading bakery brand in Bolton is seeking a Senior Laboratory Scientist to enhance quality standards in their Research & Innovation Laboratory. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a science/engineering field and have significant laboratory experience. Responsibilities include conducting tests, supporting quality strategies, and improving lab capabilities. Competitive salary and a robust benefits package are offered, including development opportunities and family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Discretionary profit share

Additional annual leave purchase

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee discounts

Personal development investment

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience in academia or industry required.
• Understanding of baking or food manufacturing is essential.
• Willing to train in Internal Audit procedures.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Laboratory experience

Statistical analysis (Minitab)

Communication skills

CAD certification

Food science applications

Education

Degree or Master’s in a science or engineering field

Tools

Power BI

AVIVA

Minitab

Job description

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.

Essential Ingredients

• 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