Chemical Technician

Job Title: Chemical Technician

Department: Manufacturing

Salary: 28-34k

Interview process - First stage on teams and second stage on site

Job Overview:

As a Chemical Technician in the Manufacturing department, you will be responsible for coordinating all activities within the chemical room to ensure smooth and efficient production of fixative and reagent formulations. This role requires strict adherence to Health & Safety legislation and company policies, along with close collaboration with the Research & Development (R&D) team for the development and integration of new products into manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Management

• Oversee the production of chemical formulations, ensuring timely fulfilment of orders and forecasts.
• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions related to chemical manufacturing.
• Regularly review the production schedule and communicate priorities with the production manager.
• Provide detailed handover reports at the end of each shift, outlining production activities and any relevant updates from the chemical room.

2. Equipment Maintenance & Safety

• Report any equipment breakdowns or damage to the manager and Maintenance Engineer.
• Ensure the chemical room and all equipment are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and safety.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks to ensure equipment runs efficiently, and report external maintenance needs.
• Ensure proper use of uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

3. Stock & Inventory Control

• Conduct regular stock checks of chemicals and consumables, placing orders for supplies as needed to prevent production delays.
• Maintain and update production records and spreadsheets for the chemical department.

4. Quality Assurance

• Work closely with the quality department to ensure all manufacturing processes align with internal quality standards.
• Sign off on corrective action reports following quality inspections.
• Support continuous improvement programs aimed at optimizing production and quality.

5. Collaboration with R&D

• Collaborate with the Head of R&D to ensure new formulations transition smoothly from development to manufacturing.
• Engage in regular communication with the R&D team to stay informed on ongoing projects and new product developments.
• Provide feedback during the formulation process to ensure products are practical and feasible for large-scale production.
• Assist in troubleshooting any challenges or discrepancies during the production of new formulations.

6. Training & Development

• Assist in identifying training needs for the Auto Assembly Department and provide guidance to team members.
• Ensure training certificates are submitted to the manager and HR in a timely manner.
• Provide technical advice and training to the Quality and R&D departments on defect identification and other production-related issues.

7. Health & Safety Compliance

• Maintain a strong awareness of Health & Safety obligations to ensure all work is carried out safely.
• Ensure compliance with the company’s quality system, completing all assigned training within the specified deadlines.
• Support continuous improvement of safety practices in the chemical department.

8. Operations Support

• Assist in operational duties when required, particularly during staff shortages.
• Take part in day-to-day activities, including both reactive and preventative maintenance to ensure optimal equipment performance.
• Manage the scheduling and planning of chemical formulations in line with Health & Safety regulations and company policies.

What We’re Looking For:

This role is ideal for someone with a strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a collaborative mindset. A solid understanding of Health & Safety protocols and chemical manufacturing processes is essential. The ability to work closely with multiple departments, including R&D and Quality, to ensure smooth production and continuous improvement is key to success in this role.