The job holder reports to the Innovation Director. In this role the job holder will lead the activities of the Quality Control Department responsible for leading the QC function to ensure that all materials, products, and processes meet defined quality standards. This role oversees testing, inspection, and analytical activities, ensuring compliance with internal requirements while supporting operational excellence and continuous improvement. The job holder will also manage the Materials Testing and Analytical Laboratory and champion the accompanying physical and thermal analysis testing of materials and test pieces along with analytical chemistry in the Innovation Department that support new product development and application development know-how.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities are associated with this job role but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the Quality Control team spanning 3 different locations, including laboratory technicians and analysts; the Quality Control team is a 24/7 operation
• Lead and manage the Materials Testing and Analytical laboratory and the work of the chemists and technicians
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management
• Set priorities and ensure efficient allocation of resources
• Establish a ‘Materials Testing and Analytical service’ model to support the needs of the Innovation department
• Establish continuous improvement mindset throughout the team
• Support the team to provide Materials Science and/or Analytical interpretation of test results
• Ensure accurate, timely, and reliable testing results
• Approve test methods and ensure they are fit for purpose
• Follow ISO, ASTM, BSI or equivalent test standards and implement any changes to test standards
• Support customer quality complaints with all required testing, analysis and interpretation
• Ensure the lab areas adhere to the 5S standard to ensure an efficient and effective workplace
• Ensure all equipment is maintained and calibrated to the required schedules
• Ensure all activities are recorded by the team according to good documentation practices to comply with internal standards in paper and electronic lab notebooks
• Ensure the team document all use of the relevant chemicals to comply with regulations on waste management including hazardous waste management
• Liaise with external testing providers
• Observe legislative, safety, and environmental requirements of the Warrington site
• Comply with Ingevity Group IT and confidentiality procedures & policies
• Authority
• Make equipment purchasing (inc Capital Expenditure) recommendations to Innovation Director
• Ability to make informed decisions related to experimental work undertaken
• Scheduling of tasks to make best use of resources effectively and efficiently
• Develop a people plan that drives cross functional training and resource reliance and effectiveness
• Lead the QC function as a change agent, implementing continuous improvement

WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Safety

• To work and behave in a safe manner, at all times
• To observe legislative, safety, housekeeping and environmental requirements of the Laboratory and wider Warrington site
• Aware and understand importance of the lab QMS and consequences of non-compliance to procedures
• Prepare and maintain SOPs/WIs/Risk Assessments

Production

• Meet all agreed timelines on testing to allow for production targets to be met
• Support continuous improvement of test methods to optimize efficiency and accuracy
• Develop statistical process control monitoring to identify shifts in product quality

Innovation

• Collaborate with AD/TS and R&D teams and meet their testing service needs
• Provide scientific interpretation of test data
• Deliver agreed set of test/experimental data within agreed timelines

People

• Manage lab-based analysts, chemists and technicians on day-to-day basis
• Oversee training and development needs of direct reports
• Demonstrate company standards (housekeeping, safety, timekeeping)

Administration

• To protect confidentiality of information related to work within the company such that no unauthorized person can gain access
• To comply with company IT and legal policies
• To ensure that all work carried out is recorded in the appropriate format and filed in the appropriate manner in order to ensure traceability

Additional Duties

• Key contact for testing houses
• Maintain database of applicable testing standards and procedures
• Authority
• To plan and support execution of work tasks aligned with business priorities
• To authorise procurement of laboratory supplies from suppliers within budget
• To maintain the housekeeping of laboratory workspace

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong background in Quality Control, testing, or laboratory management
• Minimum BSc in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Physics, Analytical Chemistry or related field required
• Experience managing teams in a technical environment, including shift teams were contact can be limited
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, GMP)
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Formal qualification or relevant experience (8 - 10 years) in a material’s testing or analytical environment is essential
• Substantial knowledge of polymeric materials especially plastics, polyurethanes, rubber and their properties
• Experience in handling and testing high hazardous materials, e.g Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Ingevity as an equal opportunity employer bases its hiring decisions on the business need and the best qualified candidates available and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of any protected category. Candidates who are offered employment may be subject to background checks as permitted or required by company policy or applicable law.

Ingevity is committed to respecting your data privacy, to further understand how Ingevity uses your data please visit our website at https://www.ingevity.com/legal-privacy/

Ingevity is committed to being an Equal opportunity employer and aims to not discriminate unlawfully on any grounds.

Recruiting Agencies: Ingevity does not accept unsolicited resumes and therefore, will not be responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.