Senior QA Chemist

Senior QA ChemistManchesterCompetitive SalaryPermanent role

Based at the Manchester site, you will play a senior, hands-on role within the Quality Assurance team.

You will lead compliance with BS EN ISO 22716 Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practice, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and company standards, working closely with SHE, QC, Production, Process R&D, and Engineering.

From raw material to finished product release, investigations, audit management, CAPAs, and document control, you will ensure quality requirements are embedded and followed across the site.

What You’ll Do:Quality Assurance & Release: Complete QA disposition and release for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. Review batch records and approve master records, specifications, and controlled documentation (SOPs, work instructions, policies).

Compliance & Standards: Maintain site compliance with BS EN ISO 22716 Cosmetics GMP and QMS standards. Act as a site Subject Matter Expert for QMS processes.

QMS Management & Troubleshooting: Lead investigations into deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints using root-cause analysis. Manage change controls, execute CAPAs, track effectiveness, and monitor Quality KPIs.

Audit Programme: Plan and conduct internal audits while supporting supplier, customer, certification, and external audits. Manage Quality Assurance Agreements with third parties.

SHE & Continuous Improvement: Support Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) initiatives applying chemical/process safety awareness. Drive continuous improvement and deliver quality-system training across cross-functional teams.

Your Background:Relevant QA experience (ideally 5 years) within chemical manufacturing, cosmetics, speciality chemicals, or a relatable regulated manufacturing environment.BSc (or higher), HNC/HND in Chemistry or other STEM subject.

Background in QMS maintenance, deviations, CAPA, change control, and batch release.

Internal audit experience (external audit experience is desirable).Knowledge of chemical/process safety within a manufacturing environment.

High attention to detail, strong decision-making abilities, and excellent written/verbal communication skills.

Working knowledge of ISO 22716 Cosmetics GMP, NEBOSH/IOSH qualifications, or Lean/Six Sigma methodology is highly advantageous.

What’s on Offer:

Competitive Salary indicative range of £45,000-£50,000

Comprehensive package including: Private Health, Generous Pension, Flexible Start/Finish Times, Annual Salary Review, Annual Bonus, 33 Days Holiday, and more.

LiCa Scientific is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your application will be personally reviewed by a consultant at LiCa Scientific we do not use automated screening software/AI processes.

However, due to high application volumes, we cannot always respond individually. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.