Lab Chemist

Role overview

This position supports the safe handling of hazardous waste at the Wednesbury Hazardous Waste Facility (WS10 7NR). The Chemist is responsible for overseeing the receipt, storage, treatment, and final disposal of waste materials, with a strong focus on legal compliance, health and safety, and environmental standards. The role also contributes to better operational performance, improved productivity, and continuous process improvement.

Working pattern

The shift pattern runs Monday to Friday on a rotating two-week schedule: week one is 7:00am to 4:00pm, and week two is 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Key responsibilities

• Organise and prioritise daily work so operations remain safe, efficient, and aligned with changing service needs.
• Set the standard for a strong health, safety, and environmental culture through visible leadership.
• Ensure waste is managed securely from intake through to disposal, while controlling costs and meeting both company and customer expectations.
• Keep all inputs and outputs compliant with regulatory requirements, while supporting cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Evaluate sales samples, recommend suitable treatment methods, and prepare customer quotations.
• Control stocks of waste and consumables while staying within budget.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and housekeeping, and ensure company policies and procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with the Transport team to manage inbound and outbound waste movements, uphold compliance, and deliver customer SLA commitments.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Chemist in a hazardous waste management environment or within a chemical/manufacturing setting.
• At least an HNC in Chemistry.
• Hazardous Treatment & Transfer CoTC is preferred, though not mandatory.
• Understanding of the demands of a time-sensitive hazardous waste processing operation.
• Solid knowledge of chemical process safety.
• Strong analytical ability to monitor and interpret data, then take suitable action.
• Well organised, with the ability to break down complex issues clearly.
• Willingness to travel within the UK for meetings and project work at other sites.

About the employer

Biffa works to change how people view waste by converting it into sustainable power, finding new recycling solutions, and keeping communities cleaner. The organisation employs more than 11,000 people across the UK and offers careers that are rewarding, demanding, and varied. It also places a strong emphasis on diversity and equality, encouraging different backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives.