Experience

Lionel Hitchen Limited

• United Kingdom
• Food and Beverage Services

• Analytical Chemist

  • Jun 2015 - Present

  Fingerprint analysis and component identification of Essential Oils, Raw Materials, Chemicals and Food Flavours using GC and GC-MS methods. Competent in Laboratory methods using GC-FID, GC Headspace, GC-MS and HPLC methods.Implementation of Agilent Match Compare software to automate GC trace comparison.Pesticide screening and phthalate quantification in Essential Oils using GC-MS/MS techniques. Ensure raw materials comply with international Maximum Residue Limits.Method development using Quechers extraction procedure to screen for Pesticides in more complex samples.Preparation of stock standards and calibrations for GC and HPLC methods.Full support of the continued World Class Manufacturing programme across the company. Identifying improvements within the Quality Control Team, implementing new procedures including 5S and tracking progress.

• Regulatory Advisor

  • Apr 2014 - Jun 2015

  Provided up to date and accurate Product Specifications and Safety Data Sheets to EU CLP regulations.Management of Change Enquiry system through the implementation of KPI’s. Applied attention to detail when completing and reviewing changes to ensure changes were fully documented for traceability purposes.Full participation in the rollout of World Class Manufacturing in the Regulatory team.Successfully implemented a tracking board for new product requests. Organised installation of a magnetic whiteboard in the Regulatory Team office to provide a clear overview of the status of requests. This allowed any team member to provide an update for the request originator.Created a new raw materials suitability form. This ensured approval is in place through documentation and regulatory checks prior to the use of raw materials in new flavour development.



British American Tobacco

• Italy
• Tobacco
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Team Manager

  • Dec 2012 - Dec 2013

  Team Manager to a team of 4 Senior Technicians. Roles and responsibilities for new Analytical team defined upon restructure in 2013. Constructed a method priority training plan with 2 Team Managers. Organised training which created a trained, skilled HPLC team working together with a minimum of 2 technicians able to cover each method. Network with key groups of stakeholders to provide technical project support and define project requirements. Ensure appropriate technical support and guidance is provided to stakeholders at the beginning of project creation, challenge ideas and suggest solutions as required.Defined with senior management suitable projects for 2 high potential team members to work on in 2013. Supported the allocated time and monitored their progress through individual meetings. 1 Stretch Objective each completed in 6 months and success rewarded.

• Senior Technician

  • Jun 2011 - Dec 2013

  Competent in 4 laboratory methods using specialised scientific equipment (HPLC, HPLC-MS/MS and GC). Knowledge of HPLC, HPLC-MS/MS and GC hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting.Lead contact to 3 Scientists in the Switzerland laboratory for the ELISA and Polyphenols method since 2010. Involved in monthly telephone communications to provide method updates and solve issues raised.Improved the enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) method process by reducing the level of repeats in the region of 30%. Assisted in study plan creation and performed 10 weeks of laboratory work and presented results in a GR&D project report. The improved process also transferred to the laboratory in Switzerland which increased the throughput of ELISA samples.Prepared and planned a project study for improving the analysis of Polyphenols method. Completed and presented a project report to the technical committee for approval. Attained a more robust method for Polyphenols with a halved sample run time.

• Sample Administration Officer

  • Feb 2009 - Jun 2011

  Established and trained a team of 5 multi-skilled technicians within 6 months of the creation of the Sample Administration Team in 2009. Provided frequent feedback to management on progress of engaging the new team.Embedded ISO17025 and Good Research Practice across Sample Administration Team from 2009. Supported Quality rollout by involvement in training and competency process group. Assisted 5 team members with understanding new processes and the development of Personal Training Portfolios to track training progress.