R&D Project Leader Technical · Sittingbourne · Hybrid Remote

Knauf; Sittingbourne; Remote; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an R&D Project Leader to join their Technical Team. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in the development and testing of innovative construction materials in a collaborative and inclusive environment. You will lead mechanical testing, maintain accurate records, and contribute to product optimization while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and community involvement, this position not only promises professional development but also a chance to make a meaningful impact. If you thrive in a dynamic setting and are passionate about engineering, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Three paid days leave for community commitments

7% employer pension contribution

Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare

Income Protection

Access to Reward & Benefits platform

Employee Assistance Program

Life Assurance (x 4 times salary)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Tech Scheme

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in a building, science or engineering related discipline.
• Experience in a comparable role involving construction products.

Responsibilities

• Support development and testing of new products and systems.
• Maintain a clean lab environment and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Knowledge of Scientific Methods

Mechanical Testing

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Building, Science or Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

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 and our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

Reporting into R&D Technical Manager we are searching for a team member to join us as an R&D Project Leader.

Can you say yes?

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

If so we would welcome your application.

What you'll be doing:

Support with development and lead testing of new products and systems by assisting in the test program, ensuring the systems tested meet the specified performance through detailed preparation and co-ordination. Once the testing is complete, accurately record performance and create reports to aid strategic decision making.

Main Responsibilities include:

• Maintain a clean and organised lab environment ensuring compliance with company Health and Safety procedures to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Assist in designing, setting up and conducting mechanical testing in conjunction with the R&D Technician to support product/system development.
• Support the products and drywall systems testing plan (acoustics/fire and structural) to move Knauf towards the achievement of its strategic ambitions.
• Accurately record experimental results and maintain detailed logs of the tests and procedures, providing feedback on the performance of all tested products and systems.
• Contribute to the development of existing products and drywall systems in order to optimise raw material and formulation costs, whilst ensuring a consistent level of quality and performance.
• Investigate the cause of customer complaints arising from the use of Knauf products on site, in order to safeguard customer loyalty, and reduce costs to Knauf.

What we'd love for you to have:

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

We will provide:

• Salary up to £45,000 per annum.
• Three paid days leave 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 (x 4 times your basic salary).
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Tech Scheme

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within three working days.