New Product Innovation Lead

VRS UK; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international petrochemicals company in Devon and Torbay is seeking a creative scientist to develop innovative products, particularly in cable fillers. The ideal candidate has a degree in Chemistry or Material Science and hands-on lab experience. This role emphasizes product development from concept to market, offering competitive salary and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory skills and familiarity with diverse analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in product development within petrochemicals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, or related industries.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products with a focus on cable fillers.
• Conduct laboratory testing and optimization of formulations.
• Oversee product scale-up from lab to production.

Skills

Hands-on laboratory skills

Analytical instrumentation familiarity

Creative problem-solving

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, or Polymer Chemistry

Job description

Our client is an international petrochemicals company specialising in the development and manufacture of oils, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and polymer-based solutions. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and decades of expertise, they play a pivotal role in supplying high-performance products that are critical to industries such as telecommunications, construction, automotive, and consumer goods.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a creative, innovative scientist who can combine hands-on technical expertise with visionary thinking. The role places a particular emphasis on the development of cable fillers and polymer-based materials, where you will apply your material science and polymer chemistry background to design and deliver new products. From laboratory experimentation and formulation through to production scale-up, launch, and exploring new market applications, you will take full ownership of the innovation process.

Key Responsibilities

• Use your material science and polymer chemistry expertise to design and develop new products, with a strong focus on cable fillers and related applications.
• Work hands‑on in the laboratory with a variety of instrumentation to test, refine, and optimise formulations.
• Oversee product scale-up into production, ensuring seamless transition from lab to manufacturing.
• Identify and explore new application areas for products across adhesives, sealants, coatings, and petrochemical derivatives.
• Collaborate closely with production, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure products meet technical, quality, and customer requirements.
• Monitor global industry trends to ensure the company remains at the cutting edge of innovation in petrochemicals and polymer chemistry.
• Drive a culture of creativity and forward‑thinking innovation across the business.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands‑on laboratory skills and familiarity with diverse analytical instrumentation.
• Proven ability to think creatively and apply material science principles to solve complex product challenges.
• Experience in product development within petrochemicals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, or related industries.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities and markets.
• Strong project management, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Why Join?

• Take the lead in shaping innovative petrochemical and polymer-based products from concept to market launch.
• Enjoy a highly creative role that blends lab-based experimentation with real-world market impact.
• Work in an international business with a strong technical heritage and forward‑looking approach.
• Competitive salary, benefits package, and excellent career progression opportunities.

Contact VRS today to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

VRS9199DT

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