Hiring a Project Manager

Project Manager Role

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to be responsible for leading project management for the design and delivery for our First-Of-A-Kind Commercial Plant (FOAK CP) and projects involving the expansion and development of the Sonichem (previously known as Bio-Sep) Pilot Plant Facility located at Melton Mowbray.

Reporting to the Principal Process Engineer, you will provide the technical leadership for project management and be the focal point for all engineering projects.

Sonichem (previously Bio-Sep) is a clean technology company based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. We have developed a patented sustainable, ultrasonic biorefining technology that transforms woody biomass, the by-product of forestry and agriculture, into high value bio-based chemicals with a wide range of applications. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation with ambitious plans in the sustainable biorefining sector.

Why Sonichem (previously Bio-Sep)

Innovation: Be a part of cutting-edge technology development that is shaping the future of sustainable bio-based chemicals.

Growth Opportunities: Join a team with ambitious plans in the sustainable biorefining sector.

Supportive Environment: Collaborate with an enthusiastic, diverse and skilled team committed to excellence.

Bio-Sep is not just a company; it’s a vision for a greener future. If you are a dynamic, adaptable, analytical thinker with a passion for driving projects to success, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the Principal Process Engineer to ensure the highest calibre of technical and commercial delivery on all projects, and to help and support the Principal Process Engineer as required.

Develop and implement an in-house Engineering Project Management System based on best practices and industry standards.

Develop a project excellence model to ensure consistently excellent project delivery for the company including project management based KPIs.

Act as the focal point and lead with Engineering Contractors, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Engineering Design Contractors and EPCs.

Support the Principal Process Engineer in the pre-feasibilty and concept phase of the FOAK CP and preparation of the documentation suite for tendering the FEED and EPC.

Be the key lead in determining the tender/contract strategy for the EPC contracting award for the FOAK CP including the scoring and evaluation of submitted bids.

Develop, agree and approve the project management strategy with the potential EPC Company for delivery of the FOAK CP. Ensuring the supply chain is fit for purpose, selection of competent and reliable suppliers, elimination of single points of failure and systems are in place to monitor and record supplier performance.

Be the project management lead for grant funded collaborative R&D projects ensuring compliance to funding requirements.

Ensure company financial controls are adhered to across all sanctioned projects.

Ensure project deliverables are completed and presented in a professional manner, to include quality of information, written, drawn and verbal.

Support the executive team in research grant applications.

Support the CEO in business and investment project management activities.

Requirements

You will be qualified in a relevant Engineering and/or Project Management discipline.

Professional qualification with relevant engineering and/or project management bod

Circa 10 years’ experience gained in an engineering project management environment, ideally with an EPC or projects department in the process industry.

Competent and experienced in using MS Project.

Experience of managing grant-funded projects and their reporting requirements is desirable.

This role allows for a hybrid working arrangement.

Apply Now

Please apply via our Linkedin application process or send an email with your CV and a cover letter to info@sonichem.com

We are Hiring a Lab Supervisor

Based at the pilot plant site at Melton Mowbray, the Lab Supervisor will have day-to-day responsibility for leading a small team of chemists to carry out R&D and QC analysis of samples from our pilot plant, kilo-scale reactor and downstream separation and purification equipment. Working with our Chief Chemist, you will support development of R&D plans and workload scheduling for the chemistry delivery team and manage safe and productive operation of the site laboratory.

Sonichem is a clean technology company based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. We have developed a sustainable, ultrasonic biorefining technology that transforms woody biomass, the by-product of forestry and agriculture, into high value biochemicals with a wide range of applications. After a period of intense R&D activity, we are now ready to scale up and commercialise our technology and we’re seeking a talented Laboratory Supervisor to join our growing team.

Based at the pilot plant site at Melton Mowbray, the Laboratory Supervisor will have day-to-day responsibility for leading a small team of chemists to carry out R&D and QC analysis of samples from our pilot plant, kilo-scale reactor and downstream separation and purification equipment. Working with our Chief Chemist, you will support development of R&D plans and workload scheduling for the chemistry delivery team and manage safe and productive operation of the site laboratory.

Reporting to the Chief Chemist, your main duties and responsibilities will be to:

  • schedule workloads and work as part of the chemistry team to develop and deliver research plans and QC/analytical data
  • support the development of other chemistry team members and the capabilities of the laboratory
  • lead on all aspects of health and safety in the laboratory including COSHH and risk assessments
  • lead on good data recording, calibration and SOPs
  • manage training logs and equipment servicing and keep good records
  • support the design of trial plans for current and future research and lead on data gathering, analysis and process optimisation
  • accurately record all results, deviations and observations to support process development
  • work with the Chief Chemist and Marketing Director to support development of robust pathways to commercialisation for Sonichem products
  • work in an agile and flexible manner, responding to changing company and customer needs
  • support other activities to grow and develop the company and its technology as appropriate

Person specification

  • Experience of managing a laboratory, including leading on H&S requirements, data recording, GLP, facilities maintenance and equipment operation and troubleshooting
  • Experience of leading a small team in a laboratory setting
  • Qualified to PhD level in chemistry and/or with 2+ years’ experience of supporting the development and delivery of R&D plans
  • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry preferred
  • Experience of lignocellulosic chemistry and/or biomass processing preferred but not essential
  • Experience of carrying out trial procedures and using the results to solve problems and inform future research and scale-up.
  • Self-starter, able to plan the time and resources of their team to achieve desired goals, whilst managing multiple projects over different timescales with minimal supervision
  • Practical, active person with excellent problem-solving skills
  • Confident at interacting with all levels of seniority both within the company and externally
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Confident at handling and recording large volumes of data
  • Keen to learn new skills and support Bio-Sep to grow its business through access to accurate data

If this sounds like you and you share our vision of a sustainable future then apply now. Please send an email with a cover letter and your CV to andy@bio-sep.com

We are hiring an electrical fitter and pilot plant operator

Photo of Sonichem pilot plant to advertise job vacancy

We are hiring an electrical fitter for pilot plant operations. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven engineer/technician to join an organisation with ambitious plans in the sustainable biorefining sector. Ideally suited for someone who wants to develop their design and operational experience with the opportunity of becoming a key support in the full lifecycle project of Sonichem’s First-of-a-kind Commercial Plant.

The Pilot Plant Electrical Fitter shall be responsible for the safe and effective daily operations at the Sonichem Pilot Plant located at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK.

Reporting to the Plant Supervisor, the Electrical Fitter will provide the key support in the day-to-day pilot plant and test rig operations and maintenance for pilot scale production. Assist the team in applying the technology principles demonstrated on the pilot plant to the design and delivery of our first commercial plant (FCP).

Key Responsibilities

  • Key responsible person for safely conducting the installation, maintenance, testing and repairs of electrical systems and equipment at the Pilot Plant Facility.
  • Supporting the Pilot Plant Supervisor in safely implementing pilot plant operations, conducting batch runs and reporting results and equipment performance to support process selection decisions for the commercial plant.
  • Key point of contact with control system subcontractors ensuring all drawings and documentation is up to date and transfer of knowledge is bought in house.
  • Control instrumentation installation, calibration and diagnosis.
  • Improving and implementing SHE best practices for the Pilot Plant Facility.
  • Compiling and updating the SOPs for safe and effective operations of the equipment at the Pilot facility.
  • Housekeeping and upkeep of the Pilot Plant Facility.
  • Trouble shooting and identification of Process Optimisation opportunities following Root Cause Analysis.
  • Point of contact with 3rd party engineering support contractor. Develop and build relationship with contractor for improved equipment management and maintenace.

Skills and experience requirements

  • This is a hands-on engineering role. The ideal candidate will be from an electrical background, completed a recognised apprenticeship and demonstrate working plant operational experience.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience as an electrical fitter or technician in a Chemical or Manufacturing environment.
  • This is a site-based role.
  • Demonstrate competence in understanding/interpreting electrical and engineering drawings.
  • Demonstrate competence in Electrical Regulations and Standards.
  • Demonstrate competence in 3 phase electrical systems i.e., electrical motors.
  • Demonstrable competence in Plant Operations, Process Safety and Process Optimisation.
  • Correct attitude and pro-active mindset. Willingness to support various tasks and requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstratable ability to work effectively with cross functional teams.
  • Experience of Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing Techniques are desirable but not essential.

How to apply

To apply now send an email with your CV to info@bio-sep.com

Please note that we can only accept applicants with the right to work in the UK.

Pilot Plant Supervisor

Pilot plant supervisor role

We are Hiring a Pilot Plant Supervisor

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven engineer to join an organisation with ambitious plans in the sustainable biorefining sector. Ideally suited for someone who wants to develop their design and operational experience into pilot plant management with the opportunity of becoming a key support in the full lifecycle project of Sonichem’s First Commercial Plant.

The Pilot Plant Supervisor will be responsible for the safe and effective daily operations at the Sonichem Pilot Plant located at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. Reporting to the Principal Process Engineer, the Pilot Plant Supervisor will provide the technical leadership on the day-to-day pilot plant and test rig operations for pilot scale production. They will assist the Principal Process Engineer, Chief Engineer and Chief Chemist in applying the technology principles demonstrated on the pilot plant to the design and delivery of our first commercial plant.

Company  Overview

Bio-Sep is an early-stage green technology company pioneering the ultrasonic processing of woody biomass to extract high-value, renewable biochemicals with broad sector applications including bio-based materials, sustainable cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

The technology is being demonstrated on an industrial scale pilot plant, whilst the company are developing plans to design and build a full scale commercial biorefinery in the year ahead.

Key Responsibilities

Be the responsible person for the Pilot Plant developing through the role into the Subject Matter Expert for Bio-Sep Pilot Plant Operations.

Take ownership of the Pilot Plant Safety File and support the Principal Process Engineer in implementing Engineering Change Management including updating P&IDs, process documentation and participating in risk assessment/HAZOPs.

Improve and implement SHE best practices for the Pilot Plant Facility.

Compile and update the SOPs for safe and effective operations of the equipment at the Pilot facility.

Train, direct and supervise all personnel involved in Pilot Plant and Test Rig Operation.

Work with the Chief Chemist planning and implementing trial runs.

Trouble-shoot and identify Process Optimisation opportunities following Root Cause Analysis.

Point of contact with 3rd party engineering support contractor. Develop and build relationships with contractors for improved equipment management and maintenance.

Specify, prepare the case for and arrange subcontract engineering support for plant and test rig maintenance, repair and modification beyond the capability of BSL personnel including associated design services.

Procurement, storage, custody and handling of equipment, spares, materials and consumables for the Pilot Plant.

Liaise with the Melton Commercial Park site manager on operational and safety matters having PP3, test rig and laboratory implications.

Experience & Skills

  • Degree in chemical engineering or an HND in Chemical Engineering via an apprenticeship scheme from a chemical manufacturing organisation.
  • Minimum 5 years experience in a Pilot and Chemicals Operations Facility.
  • Demonstrable competence in Plant Operations, Process Safety and Process Optimisation.
  • A pro-active attitude and mindset, with an inherent willingness to support a  variety of tasks and requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstratable ability to work effectively across teams.
  • Experience in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing Techniques are desirable but not essential.
Apply Now

We are Hiring – Plant Chemist

Plant Chemist 

Based at the pilot plant site at Melton Mowbray, the plant chemist will have day-to-day responsibility for operating a small chemistry laboratory, carrying out analysis of samples from the pilot plant in order to support optimisation of the process. In addition, the candidate will support an engineer in the operation of the full-scale pilot plant, as well as carrying out trial experiments on a lab-scale ultrasonic unit.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Maintain a small analytical chemistry laboratory, including taking responsibility for health and safety requirements in the lab.
  • Operate and maintain analytical equipment including HPLC, ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis.
  • Carry out experiments and use data to inform pilot plant operation and optimisation
  • Support design of experiments, sample analysis and data interpretation
  • Support operation of the Bio-Sep pilot plant in combination with a process engineer
  • Design and carry out processing trials on a small-scale ultrasonic system
  • Working with the Chief Chemist, support development of robust pathways to commercialisation for Bio-Sep products
  • Other activities to support the growth and development of the company and its technology as appropriate

Person specification

  • Qualified to degree, masters or PhD level in chemistry or related subjects
  • Experience of working in an analytical chemistry environment, using standard analytical equipment including HPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR and wet chemistry techniques
  • Operation of pilot plants an advantage
  • Broad understanding of the biorefinery market, including competing technologies and key market players
  • Experience of designing experimental procedures, carrying out experiments and using the results to solve problems and inform future research
  • Self-starter, able to plan their own time whilst managing multiple projects over different timescales with minimal supervision
  • Practical person with excellent analytical skills
  • Confident at interacting with all levels of seniority both within the company and externally
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Confident at handling large volumes of data and distilling relevant information into documents/presentations for technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Methodical and organised
  • Keen to learn new skills and support Bio-Sep to grow its business through access to accurate data

Bio-Sep is a pre-commercial company based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, which has developed a novel, patented ultrasonic process for the fractionation of biomass into high value platform chemicals. After a period of intense R&D activity, Bio-Sep is now looking to commercialise its technology and seeks a talented chemist to join its expanding operation.

This position has now been filled, if you would like to find out about new vacancies or research opportunities when they open up please get in touch via email or the contact form.

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