Laboratory Team Leader

Universal Business Team; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing family-run business in England is seeking a Technical Team Leader / Senior Chemist to lead a laboratory team focused on innovative formulations. The successful candidate will manage R&D projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure smooth lab operations. A degree in a science discipline and hands-on formulation experience in relevant materials is essential. This position offers a salary of £35,000 to £45,000, with significant career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Negotiable salary

Career progression opportunities

Innovative work environment

Qualifications

• Experience managing a lab team (ideally 5+ direct reports).
• Proven hands-on formulation experience in inks, polymers, adhesives, or similar.
• Ability to balance leadership with technical contribution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of lab technicians and scientists.
• Drive R&D projects while actively contributing to lab work.
• Mentor apprentices and new starters.

Skills

Leadership

Formulation experience

Mentoring

Education

Degree in a science discipline (Chemistry, Materials Science)

Job description

Overview

Location: Northwich
Salary: £35,000–£45,000 (negotiable)
Type: Full-time | Permanent

Are you a hands-on leader with a strong science background and a passion for formulation? A rapidly growing but established family run business are looking for a Technical Team Leader / Senior Chemist to lead a dynamic laboratory team and drive innovation in formulations such as inks, polymers, adhesives, or similar materials. This is a great opportunity to lead impactful projects and shape the future of our formulations and work in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of lab technicians and scientists
• Drive R&D projects while actively contributing to lab work
• Mentor apprentices and new starters, fostering a culture of learning
• Oversee formulation development and testing
• Ensure lab operations run smoothly and safely
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support product innovation

Requirements

• Degree in a science discipline (Chemistry, Materials Science)
• Proven experience managing a lab team (ideally 5+ direct reports)
• Strong leadership presence — leads from the front and sets high standards
• Hands-on formulation experience in inks, polymers, adhesives, or similar
• Passion for training and developing junior staff
• Ability to balance leadership with technical contribution

Benefits

• Salary £35,000 to £45,000 negotiable, DOE
• The opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking company with a strong innovation pipeline
• Lots of career progression opportunities