Senior Chemist

Martin Veasey Talent Solutions; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Chemist in Lancashire to drive R&D and product development in specialist lubricants. This role involves managing product trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing technical support. A competitive salary and travel opportunities are offered, making this an excellent opportunity for those aiming to influence innovation in a growing international business.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Global travel opportunities

Visibility and influence as part of the management team

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Chemistry (PhD or MSc preferred).
• Proven track record in formulation and product development.
• Experience managing manufacturing operations and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Design and formulate new products and enhance existing ranges.
• Manage product trials from laboratory through to full manufacture.
• Develop robust SOPs and collaborate with manufacturers to ensure compliance.

Skills

Formulation

Product development

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemistry

BSc in Chemistry with extensive relevant industry experience

Job description

Overview

Senior Chemist - Driving Innovation in Specialist Lubricants (phone number removed) + Benefits
Location: Lancashire (with global travel opportunities)

Are you a talented Chemist ready to make a real impact in a growing international business? This is your chance to take full ownership of research, development, and product improvement at the forefront of specialist lubricants and release agents for the automotive, food, and industrial sectors.

Responsibilities

• Research & Development: Design and formulate new products, enhance existing ranges, and drive innovation in response to customer and market needs.
• Scale-Up & Trials: Manage product trials from laboratory through to full manufacture.
• Manufacturing Support: Develop robust SOPs for internal production; collaborate with external licensee manufacturers in China, India, and Turkey to ensure quality and specification compliance.
• Regulatory Leadership: Manage compliance across REACH, NSF, Halal, Kosher, ISO and related quality systems; author and update MSDSs.
• Technical Expertise: Provide first-line technical support to customers, resolving queries and troubleshooting issues effectively.
• Laboratory Management: Oversee equipment, methods, stock control, safety, and continuous improvement within the lab environment.
• Global Collaboration: Visit customers and partners worldwide as required (recent travel has been modest, e.g., four short trips to Poland last year).

About You

• Degree-qualified in Chemistry (PhD or MSc preferred, though strong BSc with extensive relevant industry experience will be considered).
• Proven track record in formulation, product development, and scale-up within lubricants, release agents, PFPE, or adjacent sectors such as coatings/adhesives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and quality systems.
• Experience supporting or managing manufacturing operations and external partners.
• Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously.
• Strong communicator, comfortable interfacing with internal teams, customers, and international partners.
• Resilient, detail-focused, and motivated by continuous improvement and innovation.

What’s on Offer

• The chance to shape the future of a growing international business while enjoying visibility and influence as part of the management team.
• A varied and intellectually stimulating role spanning R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, and international collaboration.
• The opportunity to travel and build global connections while based in Lancashire.
• A competitive salary and benefits package tailored to attract top industry talent.
• If you are an ambitious Chemist seeking to broaden your impact and take ownership of technical innovation, we would love to hear from you.