Technical Quality Lead

Technical Quality Lead

Location:

Wallasey, Merseyside

Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market – moving the industry away from fossil‑fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible. We supply well‑known global brands and fast‑growing innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re expanding our technology, shaping the industry, and growing fast – an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth.

We’re looking for a proactive and highly skilled Technical Quality Lead to manage our on‑site QC laboratory and drive technical excellence across the manufacturing process. You’ll ensure the accurate and timely delivery of testing, documentation, and product release, as well as lead the development of technical knowledge to support process optimisation. You’ll act as the on‑site expert in process chemistry, ensuring that all finished material meets internal and external standards – safe, legal, and compliant.

The role is both strategic and hands‑on, encompassing lab work, problem solving, and continuous improvement.

• Leading the Manufacturing QC Lab team to deliver timely routine testing, product release documentation, technical investigations, action plan implementation and process optimisation.
• Managing the site lab, lab staff, and technical service contracts to ensure smooth, in‑budget operation and support for on‑time‑in‑full delivery of final products.
• Carrying out laboratory testing and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Acting as the on‑site subject matter expert in manufacturing process chemistry.
• Providing customer‑facing technical support and partnering with commercial colleagues where needed to ensure business continuity.
• Developing a strong quality culture within Operations by partnering closely with the Production Operations Manager.
• Overseeing all site technical contracts and ensuring delivery against KPIs.
• Identifying opportunities within processes and customer‑specific procedures, and helping to develop innovative, practical solutions.

You’re a technically excellent, detail‑oriented scientist with strong analytical capability and a passion for quality. You enjoy being hands‑on in the lab while also influencing processes, people, and systems. You bring a positive, solutions‑focused mindset and are motivated by improving standards and developing others.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, with working knowledge of quality management.
• Strong organic chemistry knowledge and analytical capability, with a logical and structured approach to decision making.
• Working HPLC knowledge.
• High attention to detail and a natural curiosity for problem solving.
• Strong leadership qualities – responsible, reliable, flexible, and with a strong work ethic.
• Confident communication style, able to question, challenge, and influence change.
• Highly motivated and analytical, with the ability to work under challenging time constraints.
• Passion for continuous improvement and enhancing existing processes.

• Knowledge of fermentation processes.
• Experience improving or implementing quality systems within a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with lab management systems or quality documentation tools.
• Experience supporting or managing customer technical enquiries.

• You work safely, proactively, and collaboratively.
• You support others, communicate clearly, and help build a quality‑driven environment.
• You balance independence with teamwork and bring a strong problem‑solving approach.

We know many companies claim to value openness, wellbeing and teamwork – at Holiferm this is how we operate every day. People look out for each other, share knowledge freely, and celebrate wins together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is welcomed, and you’ll always have the support you need to do your best work.

We understand that job adverts can sometimes make great people doubt themselves. If this role sounds exciting and you’ve got most of what we’re after, we’d love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Holiferm is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments – whether during the application process or at interview – just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self.