Callum Foster
Hartlepool
Summary
Experienced Senior Quality Control Analyst skilled in processing laboratory specimens and tests. Follows established protocols to support accuracy and traceability. Critically thinking problem-solver with strong analytical skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Quality Control Analyst
MCUK
Billingham, Durham
2021.02 - 2024.12
- Shift Management: Directed daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth team coordination
- Analytical Testing: Conducted precise analysis of raw materials, intermediate samples, and final products using advanced equipment
- Instrument Maintenance: Oversaw equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and repairs; maintained accurate records
- Team Training & Support: Trained team members, assessed competencies, and provided constructive feedback
- Process Optimization: Implemented workflow improvements to enhance lab efficiency and production throughput
- Compliance & Standards: Maintained documentation and ensured adherence to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and SHE regulations
- Health & Safety: Enforced lab safety protocols, including COSHH compliance and site-specific guidelines
- Report Preparation: Generated accurate sample reports for production and quality teams
- Inventory Management: Monitored stock levels of reagents and consumables, ensuring uninterrupted lab operations
- Audit Readiness: Maintained clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment
- Vendor Relations: Coordinated with external vendors for equipment calibration and troubleshooting
- Leadership Development: Actively pursued leadership growth while mentoring and supporting the team
Shift QC Analyst
MCUK
Billingham, Durham
2019.07 - 2021.02
- Daily final product testing adhering to SOP using GC, HPLC, IC, AA analysis
- Working as part of a three-person team on a 12 hour shift pattern
- Analysed complex chemical samples accurately, providing reliable test results.
- Lone working if required due to holiday/sickness cover
- Conducted regular maintenance on laboratory equipment ensuring optimal functionality.
- Monitored chemical inventory, reducing waste and optimising resources.
- Training new analyst to lab standard including completion of training records
- Provide maintenance training to other shift members using prior experience and knowledge
- Setup of new laboratory, working with other shifts and external companies
- Reporting and completion of Out of spec forms and liaising with plant operators regarding batch corrections on night shifts
- Developed new testing procedures for improved efficiency.
QC Analyst
Frutarom
Billingham, Durham
2018.02 - 2019.07
- Responsible for testing all raw materials, intermediates, and final products that pass through site to cGMP or BP/EP/USP standard
- Member of odour panel – assess odour profile of raw materials and finished products in comparison to standard
- Lone worker – Only analyst on site, time management is key
- Daily equipment calibration and maintenance (GC, Densitometer, refractometer, polarimeter, melting point, Auto titrator, laboratory ovens and halogen moisture analyser)
- Extensive use of wet chemistry techniques such as titrations, reflux reactions, alcohol distillations and oil extractions
- Batch correction – Need to assess failing product and report necessary corrections to production
- Deal with customer complaints – Retest any customer complaints and report back results either validating complaint or provide information as to why they may be gaining a failing result
- Draft Standard operating procedures alongside Quality manager
- Provide technical information to assist creation of risk assessments with SHE department
- Regularly report progress back to production and site manager to maintain OTIF (on time, in full) figure above 93% for the month
- Attend daily meetings with plant shift leaders to inform what material will be passed and find out what products would be complete and ready for testing
- Take part in audits (customer, ISO 9001, HSE) and provide information relating to QC department
QC Lab Analyst
Fine Organics
Stockton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire
2017.10 - 2018.02
- Daily instrument calibration
- Final product testing to GMP/GLP standard using existing methodologies, using wet chemistry techniques such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV, DSC
- Raw materials testing using physical testing techniques such as titrations, TLC, Flame tests, pH testing, Melting point
- Ordering and maintaining stock levels
- Environmental analyst cover involving use of respirometry bomb calorimeter and TOC/TON analysis
- Maintaining and troubleshooting equipment such as HPLCs and GCs
- Investigative work on failed batches
Apprentice QC Lab Technician
Fine Organics
Stockton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire
2015.10 - 2017.10
Education
GCSE - 13 GCSEs grade A-B, Biology: A, Chemistry: B, Physics: B
The English Martyrs School & Sixth Form College
2006.09 - 2013.01
BTEC level 3 applied sciences - Pass, Merit, NVQ in Laboratory and associated technical activities
Hartlepool College of Further Education
2015.10 - 2017.10
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
The Open University
Milton Keynes 2022.10 -
Skills
- Daily use of GC, HPIC, HPLC, GFAA
- Test procedure writing
- GLP regulations knowledge
- Lab equipment calibration
- Instrument calibration and maintenance
- ISO 9001 manufacturing standards
- Applied chemistry
- Process development
Affiliations
- Manager of Sunday league men's football team
- Personal fitness - Currently training to complete a Hyrox in 2025
- Walking/hiking with my dogs.
- Currently learning coding (Python) in spare time
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
The Open University
2022.10 -
Senior Quality Control Analyst
MCUK
2021.02 - 2024.12
Shift QC Analyst
MCUK
2019.07 - 2021.02
QC Analyst
Frutarom
2018.02 - 2019.07
QC Lab Analyst
Fine Organics
2017.10 - 2018.02
Apprentice QC Lab Technician
Fine Organics
2015.10 - 2017.10
BTEC level 3 applied sciences - Pass, Merit, NVQ in Laboratory and associated technical activities
Hartlepool College of Further Education
2015.10 - 2017.10
GCSE - 13 GCSEs grade A-B, Biology: A, Chemistry: B, Physics: B
The English Martyrs School & Sixth Form College
2006.09 - 2013.01