Senior Chemist

Smart4Chemical; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking chemical company in Lancashire is seeking a Senior Chemist to drive innovation and manage product development. The ideal candidate will have extensive R&D experience, ideally at a PhD level, and possess strong leadership skills. This role offers the opportunity to be integral to the company's growth and culture while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Seasoned chemist with extensive R&D experience in related industries.
• Adept at driving commercial R&D projects.
• Committed to excellence in health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design new formulations and refine existing products.
• Oversee product trials from lab scale through to production.
• Prepare and review documentation for regulatory compliance.

Skills

R&D experience

Leadership potential

Technical expertise

Analytical skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Overview

This is a great opportunity to join a forward-thinking, small-scale specialist chemical company as a Senior Chemist. Driven by innovation, quality, and global reach, the team values deep technical expertise, collaborative problem-solving, and a passion to shape the future of their products.

Responsibilities

• Innovate & Improve: Design new formulations and refine existing products to meet evolving customer and regulatory needs. Lead external lab testing and analyse data cost-effectively.
• Manage Trials & Manufacturing: Oversee product trials from lab scale through to internal production. Document processes clearly for the Manufacturing Team. Also, liaise with licensee manufacturers in China, India, and Turkey, ensuring consistent quality and compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance & Accreditations: Own R&D\'s role in maintaining approvals like REACH, NSF, HALAL, KOSHER, and ISO standards. Prepare and review all relevant documentation, including MSDS as per current legislation.
• Technical Support & Project Leadership: Be the go-to internal expert for technical queries and product troubleshooting. Lead resolution, including complaints, through effective project management. Manage lab operations, safety, equipment, procurement, and team coordination.
• Analytics & Quality Assurance: Develop and monitor measurement techniques, using statistical insights to detect deviations and maintain product integrity.
• Reporting & Collaboration: Deliver monthly performance updates to the Board. Structure internal and external meetings to align on priorities and progress.
• Trials & Inspection: Oversee testing of your formulations and supported manufacturing outcomes. Coordinate on-site trial reviews before product release.
• Culture & Governance: Always work within company policies, quality frameworks, and health and safety guidelines. Act with initiative and professionalism, balancing competing priorities effectively.

Qualifications & Profile

• A seasoned chemist with extensive R&D experience, ideally within related industries.
• Educated to PhD level (or MSc/BSc plus equivalent experience).
• Adept at driving commercial R&D projects and forming valuable industry and academic networks.
• Committed to excellence in health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Passionate about playing a central role in a small organisation\'s growth and culture.
• Strong leadership potential, you\'ll help build and guide our R&D function.
• Clean driving license and the ability to travel outside the UK (2/3 days at a time).

If this Senior Chemist role is of interest, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV. You can reach out directly to Rebecca.