R&D Project Leader Technical · Sittingbourne ·

Knauf; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Knauf is seeking an R&D Project Leader to join their Technical Team in Sittingbourne. This role involves supporting product development and testing, ensuring compliance with performance specifications, and contributing to strategic decision-making. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field, knowledge of AutoCAD, and experience in a lab environment.

Benefits

Three paid days for community commitments

7% employer pension contribution

Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare

Income Protection

Access to Reward & Benefits platform

Employee Assistance Program

Life Assurance (4 times basic salary)

Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field is required.
• Experience in a lab setting is essential.
• Familiarity with scientific methods and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Support development and testing of new products and systems.
• Maintain a clean and organized lab environment.
• Record experimental results and maintain logs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Knowledge of AutoCAD

Scientific methods

Education

Degree in building, science, or engineering-related discipline

Job description

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within the Technical Team could be the perfect opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

As a group, we are a global manufacturer of construction materials with 41,500 team members across 90 countries and 300 sites. We offer a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and encourage you to bring your whole self to work, enriching our business further as we achieve more together in a safe and inclusive environment.

We are seeking a R&D Project Leader to join us, reporting to the R&D Technical Manager.

Do you say yes to the following?

• Do you have a degree in a building, science, or engineering-related discipline?
• Do you have knowledge and experience with AutoCAD?
• Do you have experience working in a lab setting, including familiarity with scientific methods and analytical thinking?

If so, we welcome your application.

What you'll be doing:

Supporting the development and leading testing of new products and systems by assisting in testing programs, ensuring systems meet performance specifications through detailed preparation and coordination. After testing, accurately recording performance data and creating reports to support strategic decision-making.

Main Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a clean and organized lab environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures for safety.
• Assisting in designing, setting up, and conducting mechanical testing in collaboration with R&D Technicians to support product and system development.
• Supporting testing plans for products and drywall systems (including acoustics, fire, and structural tests) to help Knauf achieve its strategic goals.
• Recording experimental results accurately and maintaining detailed logs of tests and procedures, providing feedback on product and system performance.
• Contributing to the development of existing products and drywall systems to optimize raw material use and formulation costs, while ensuring quality and performance.
• Investigating customer complaints related to Knauf products to safeguard loyalty and reduce costs.

What we'd love for you to have:

• A degree (or equivalent) in a building, science, or engineering-related discipline.
• Previous experience in a role involving construction products.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD for designing and interpreting technical drawings.
• Understanding of fire and acoustic test requirements (highly advantageous).
• Knowledge of plasterboard systems installation and plaster formulations (advantageous).

We will provide:

• A salary up to £45,000 per annum.
• Three paid days for community, charitable, or voluntary commitments.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare.
• Income Protection.
• Access to a Reward & Benefits platform.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (legal or medical advice).
• Life Assurance (4 times your basic salary).
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes.

What happens next?

We appreciate your time and understand applying for a new job can be lengthy. We commit to replying to your application within three working days.