Head of Chemistry Laboratory

Job title:

Junior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Working Hours:

Monday- Friday, 8 am- 4 pm

About us:

Join one of Europe's fastest-growing nutrition success stories.

Kendal Nutricare creates world-class nutrition for every stage of life - from Kendamil infant and toddler formula to Kendalife adult nutrition. We're a family-owned, purpose-driven business with big global ambitions.

In 2025, we were ranked the UK's fastest-growing food and drink company, with Kendamil now one of the fastest-growing baby brands in the world, the No. 1 Organic formula in both the UK and the USA, and available in 40+ countries (and counting).

As the only British infant formula manufacturer, we're proud to produce our award-winning products here in the UK using British full-cream milk, with no palm oil or unnecessary additives - trusted by families worldwide.

We're on an exciting path - join us!

The role:

Reporting to the Quality Director, the Head of Chemistry Laboratory will provide technical leadership across analytical chemistry, laboratory operations, compliance, and innovation support.

You will lead a team of Chemistry Analysts while partnering closely with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality functions to ensure the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence both operational excellence and strategic growth within a rapidly developing infant nutrition business

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and oversee all chemical and analytical testing activities for raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, validation studies, and stability programmes.
• Own analytical methods, including method development, validation, transfer, verification, and continuous improvement.
• Review and approve OOS, OOT, root cause investigations, and CAPA activities to ensure effective resolution and prevention.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Chemistry Analysts, building technical capability and maintaining high standards of laboratory performance.
• Deliver key laboratory projects, including the commissioning of a new laboratory facility and the implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Manage laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance programmes, reference standards, and reagent controls.
• Partner with R&D to support innovation projects, evaluate new ingredients, develop testing strategies, and establish product specifications.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, data integrity (ALCOA+) principles, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Lead laboratory audits, inspection readiness activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor analytical trends and recommend improvements to testing methods, specifications, sampling plans, and quality systems.
• Manage laboratory budgets, resources, and operational performance to support business objectives.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment through effective EHS management and compliance with health and safety requirements

What you'll need:

• Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in QC, Laboratory Management, or Quality Leadership within infant nutrition, pharmaceutical, FMCG, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience in analytical method development, validation, and transfer.
• Experience with laboratory set-up, LIMS implementation, and project management.
• Knowledge of HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer, GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, and data integrity principles.
• Proven people leadership and stakeholder management skills.