Technical Quality Lead

About Holiferm 

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. 

And while Holiferm may not be a household name you recognise, the brands we supply certainly are - from well-known global names to fast growing, future-focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth. 

When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment - whether you're in our R&D lab in Manchester or our commercial plant in Wallasey. You’ll have the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

We’re looking for a proactive and highly skilled Technical Quality Lead to manage our onsite 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 onsite 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. 

You’ll be responsible for: 

• 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. 

About You 

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 and solutions-focused mindset, and you’re motivated by improving standards and developing others. 

What You’re Great At (Essential) 

• 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. 

It’s a Bonus If You Also Have… 

• 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. 

How You Work 

• 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. 

And It’s Not Just Words - Our Culture Really Works This Way 

We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork - but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. People here 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. 

Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall - it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive. 

Not sure you tick every box? No worries. 

We know 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 really love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for. 

Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities 

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.