Ready to find the right role for you?
Salary: £35,000 per annum plus 17.5% annual bonus and Veolia benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Unit D4-D5, Red Scar Industrial Estate
Longbridge Road
Preston
Lancashire
PR2 5NQ
When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources and help it become a better place for everyone.
As a Lead Chemist you'll be pushing for innovative solutions to create a more sustainable future for all. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.
What we can offer you;
* 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
* Access to our company/people's pension scheme
* Discounts on everything from groceries to well known retailers
* Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
* 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
* One paid days leave every year to volunteer and support your community
* Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
What you'll be doing;
* Supervise team of 5 chemists - assign daily tasks, monitor workload, manage training and absences
* Manually repack chemical wastes using pumps and compactors; handle high-hazard chemicals
* Prepare outgoing loads with packaging, labelling and paperwork to WM3/ADR regulations; conduct technical waste assessments
* Manage stock/inventory levels and compliance; plan shipments, request disposal prices, maximize profit through consolidation
* Process incoming loads for 1-hour turnaround; perform compatibility testing, drum bulking, neutralisation, and repackaging
* Conduct laboratory testing including gas chromatography, titrations, pH and water analysis
* Deputise for Technical Manager; supervise contractors; maintain emergency call-out availability as key holder
What we're looking for;
* HNC/HND or higher qualification in Chemistry or relevant Science
* Experience in waste management or chemical industry
* Knowledge of chemical hazards and risk assessment capabilities
* Health and safety qualifications (IOSH/COTC desirable)
* Counterbalance forklift truck licence (within last 3 years) or willingness to obtain
* Supervisory or team leader experience (beneficial)
* Own transport for emergency call-out rota; flexibility with hours; 5 days on-site (no hybrid working)
What's next?
Apply today, so we can make a difference for generations to come.
We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.
We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.
We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.