New Product Development Chemist

Smart4Sciences; Winsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4Sciences is seeking a New Product Development Chemist to drive product innovations from concept to commercial launch. You will work within a dynamic NPD team, coordinating development activities, trials, and supplier partnerships to translate scientific advances into market-ready products.

The role requires a degree in chemistry or materials science, plus hands-on experience in coatings or related manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in product or process development in coatings, chemicals, paper, film, adhesives, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage development projects from concept through to commercial launch.
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities, assessing feasibility, costs, resources, and potential.
• Plan and prioritise development activities to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Monitor progress and provide recommendations on pathways and launch decisions.
• Coordinate laboratory, pilot, and production trials.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams for successful scale-up and product implementation.
• Engage with suppliers, test houses, consultants, and academic partners.
• Share findings and insights across the business.
• Provide technical support on material specs and process improvements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across products and processes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Materials Science

Job description

New Product Development Chemist

We are working with a leading global manufacturer of specialist coated products to recruit a New Product Development Chemist.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and commercially minded chemist to play a key role in developing new products and improving existing technologies. Working within a dynamic NPD team, you will manage development projects from concept through to commercial launch, helping to drive future business growth through technical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage product and process development projects from initial concept through to commercialisation.
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities, assessing feasibility, costs, resources, and commercial potential.
• Plan and prioritise development activities to meet project deadlines and business objectives.
• Monitor project progress and provide clear recommendations on development pathways and launch decisions.
• Support and coordinate laboratory, pilot, and production trials.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful scale‑up and product implementation.
• Engage with external partners including suppliers, test houses, consultants, and academic institutions.
• Share technical findings and development insights across the wider business.
• Provide technical support relating to material specifications, process improvements, customer enquiries, and product‑related issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across products and manufacturing processes.

Experience

Candidates should have at least 3 years experience in product or process development within coatings, chemicals, paper, film, adhesives, or a similar manufacturing environment. Experience managing development projects from concept through to commercial launch, alongside strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, is essential.

Requirements

A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline is preferred. Applicants should possess strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within laboratory testing, R&D, Quality Control, or Technical Services environments.
• Knowledge of coatings, adhesives, paper, film, or related materials technologies.
• Background with formulation chemistry