As a leading European manufacturer and distributor of raw materials, ingredients and specialty chemicals for the Life Sciences (Personal Care, Health & Nutrition, Ocular) and Performance Chemicals markets, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our teams.
A Day in the Life of our Cornelians


Sean Gage
Sean Gage, an Analytical Services Team Lead, finds great satisfaction in his work by diligently crossing off tasks from his daily workload. Whether he is analysing samples or compiling reports for various projects, he takes pride in tracking his progress and maintaining motivation throughout the week. However, he acknowledges that the most challenging aspect of his job lies in applying root cause analysis to troubleshoot problems with the analytical equipment. Despite following the manufacturer’s troubleshooting manuals, multiple interconnected factors often contribute to the same issue, requiring a substantial amount of time and effort to identify the cause and implement an effective solution.
One of Sean Gage’s notable achievements is the completion of his laboratory technician apprenticeship, which served as a crucial steppingstone for his career in the industry. As his first job, it played a pivotal role in kickstarting his professional journey.
When asked about the teacher who had the most profound impact on his life, Sean fondly recalls his A-levels math teacher. Not only did this teacher impart knowledge on the majority of course modules (although his memory of it has faded over time), but they also provided invaluable advice on perseverance and overcoming life’s obstacles. Sean still applies these valuable lessons to this day.
Lastly, if Sean were to embody any animal, he would choose to be a bee. He admires their tireless work ethic and their dedication to constructing efficient systems within a successful hive.


Faye Stevens
Faye Stevens, a Senior Sales Executive at Cornelius, plays a pivotal role in developing and nurturing relationships with both new and existing customers. Her primary focus revolves around promoting the company’s personal care, health, and nutrition portfolio. Faye’s responsibilities encompass problem-solving for clients, addressing technical issues they may encounter, and recommending the company’s materials to enhance performance or resolve challenges. She also assists clients in transitioning to Cornelius products. On of her key role objectives is to generate excitement among customers about trailing the company’s ingredients. Collaborating with various teams across the organisation, Faye is dedicated to delivering the best service experience to clients.
When asked about her biggest challenge this year, Faye highlights the delays in freight from overseas as a significant hurdle. She explains that it can be frustrating when factors beyond direct control impact operations.
In a typical workday, Faye eagerly looks forward to visiting customer sites. She finds it highly intriguing to observe their entire process.
If given the opportunity to experience a historical event, Faye expresses her desire to attend the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985, specifically to witness Queen’s electrifying performance.
Finally, Faye reveals that her favourite Disney villain is Cruella.


Jordan Taylor-French
Jordan, HR Business Partner at Cornelius, leads a dynamic and engaging professional life where no two days are alike. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including recruitment, employee reward and payroll management, employee relations, training and development, employee engagement, and overseeing HR queries and systems. This diverse range of tasks keep her job interesting and fulfilling.
When asked what aspect of her work she looks forward to the most, Jordan expresses her enthusiasm for meeting different people. Each day, she engages with various people, and she finds the interactions to be pleasant and supportive. Although not naturally inclined towards extensive socialisation in the workplace, Jordan enjoys conversing with her colleagues, as she feels comfortable being herself around them, fostering her social wellbeing.
When discussing why she enjoys working at Cornelius, Jordan highlights the company’s unique blend of a family-run business and a corporate entity. The culture and caring nature of the people within the organisation embody the warmth associated with a family-run business. Simultaneously, Cornelius is strategically driven and offers numerous committees and project groups to participate in, providing endless opportunities for its employees. Furthermore, Jordan emphasises her positive relationship with her team and director, which contributes to driving their HR agenda and strategy forward. The synergy they share creates a constant sense of excitement surrounding their work at Cornelius.
When asked to choose an actress to portray her in a movie about her life, Jordan would choose Florence Pugh.
Finally, if given the chance to save an endangered animal, Jordan’s choice would be elephant. She admires their majestic and gentle nature, finding them particularly endearing when they are young calves.
Current Vacancies


Purchasing Executive
Department: Purchasing
Reports to: Acting Purchasing Manager
Job status: 9-month Temporary Contract role – Maternity cover, Full Time 40 Hours Per Week
Location: Bishops Stortford, CM23 5RG
Role Purpose
The UK Purchasing Executive is responsible for the purchasing and administrative activities that relate to suppliers at Cornelius Distribution and potentially Manufacturing raw material and consumables requirements. They will report to the Acting Purchasing Manager. As UK Purchasing Executive, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure purchase orders are managed and updated from creation to arrival, along with any after-receipt activities.
Main Responsibilities
- Plan, forecast and order the raw materials, packaging, and production consumables as applicable for each UK company, creating and issuing Purchase Orders according to lead time, suppliers’ approvals and business requirements.
- Manage and monitor the purchase orders to completion, including checking systems, order acknowledgements and invoices, along with any after-receipt issues that could arise.
- Ensure all purchasing records are up to date. Alongside this, update and manage supplier price lists.
- Support the business to optimise stock levels and cashflow.
- Regularly review and order samples as applicable.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties as instructed by your line manager.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge
- Experience in a Purchasing role.
- IT literate.
- Initiative and problem-solving abilities.
- Numerate and literate.
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel.
Desirable Knowledge
- Experience with Microsoft Outlook.
- Knowledge of Sage X3 or other ERP / MRP system.
- Understanding of INCO terms.
Essential Skills
- Effective team working and networking skills and the ability to work independently using own initiative.
- Ability to work under pressure, ability to plan, prioritise own workload, sense of priority.
- Accuracy and a keen eye for detail.
- Proactive.
- Ability to effectively build relationships with internal and external parties.
- Good communication to various levels within an organisation.
Desirable Skills
- Stock Management.
Values / Competencies
We Lead
- Be Innovative and Ambitious.
- Be Nimble and Flexible.
- Be Insightful and Proactive.
We Care
- Be Passionate and have fun.
- Be Collaborative and connect.
- Be Helpful and Supportive.
We Deliver
- Communicate Openly and Honestly.
- Focus on Customer First.
- Take Initiative and Deliver.
Job Types
- Full-time, Temporary.
Pay
£28,000.00 – £30,000.00 per year
Benefits
- Company events.
- Company pension.
- Free parking.
- Health & wellbeing programme.
- Life insurance.
- On-site parking.
- Paid volunteer time.
- Referral programme.
- Sick pay.
Schedule
- 8 hour shift.
- Day shift.
- Monday to Friday.
- No weekends.
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Bishop’s Stortford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bishop’s Stortford
If you’re interested in the above role, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.


Process Operator
Department: Production
Reporting to: Shift Team Leader
Status: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Cornelius Specialties, 15C Rookwood Way, Haverhill, CB9 8PB
Role Purpose
The Process Operator will report to the Shift Team Leader and is responsible for an agreed variety of manufacturing tasks. The Process Operator will follow defined SOP’s and work instructions to ensure the production process is timely, and that the business is producing products of the highest quality. They will also work safely and carry out procedures to ensure Cornelius is a safe place to work.
Main Responsibilities
- To carry out chemical production processes of certain materials to defined SOPs in a safe and efficient manner.
- Continuously monitor the processes and equipment to ensure smooth operation. Accurately record operational data on production sheets such as production volumes, temperatures, pressures, and times. Use this data to identify any areas for improvement.
- Understand the properties and hazards of chemicals used in the process. Identify and report any issues or abnormalities.
- To report all relevant plant technical issues and breakdowns in a timely manner.
- Pack finished products according to company standards and procedures to ensure that products are packed for storage and shipment.
- To perform chemical waste disposal in accordance with Work Instructions.
- To maintain high standards of plant and factory cleanliness in line with agreed 5S goals.
- To carry out re-packaging of materials in accordance with Work Instructions.
- To document output and downtime in the Production Plan Daily.
- Safely handle raw materials and finished goods in accordance with health and safety procedures.
- Carrying out any other task as requested by the Shift Team Leader and Management team.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Chemical hazards awareness.
- Worked under Health & Safety & Environment procedures.
- Previous chemical handling/processing experience.
- Effective communication skills.
- Basic IT competency.
- Multi-tasking, able to run multiple plants together using different parameters.
Desirable
- Working understanding of 5S standards.
- Training in leam manufacturing techniques.
- Manual handling training.
- COSHH.
If you’re interested in the above role, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.
Delivering the difference in
Work
Job Satisfaction
Benefits
Education
Training
Experience
Advancement
Why Cornelius?
Committed to ethical excellence and sustainability
Sourcing and developing products from around the world, we truly understand the importance of ethical trading and are focussed on building our sustainability strategy. We are proud of our accreditation to the United Nations Global Compact and our support to Sparkle Malawi, our dedicated charity, as well as enjoy our Giving Fund annual fundraising activities.
We believe in training and development
Whether in the day job or taking time out for formal qualifications, Cornelius knows that investing in the development of our people is the key to our long-term success. We invite talent for work experience and internships as well as invest in the development of our current employees.
We care
We truly care about our employees, customers, principals, partners and communities. Having developed from a family-owned business, our culture is different. We have a strong team mentality and love to innovate and deliver the difference for our customers! Our customer surveys tell us that our people and values really stand out.
Great place to work
Located in Bishops Stortford & Haverhill in the UK, Warsaw in Poland, and Moscow in Russia, we work in great locations and employ passionate people who enjoy collaborating across the geographies as ‘One Cornelius’ for the success of our suppliers and customers. We like to work hard, work smart and have fun!
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What can I expect in return?
- Competitive Salary
- Training and Development
- Holiday Allowance
- Competitive Contributory Pension Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes
- Flexible Working
- Life Assurance
- Permanent Health Insurance
And many more benefits including company cars and private medical insurance depending on your role
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What qualifications do I need?
Cornelius is a diverse organisation and therefore we need employees with a variety of skills and qualifications from vocational qualifications through to PHDs.
Take a look at our latest job vacancies to discover the opportunities.
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How do I apply?
Cornelius provides full and part time career opportunities, as well as work experience for new entrants to the world of work.
To apply, please contact our Human Resources department by email using the button below, specifying the area of business that you are interested in and attach your Curriculum Vitae.