Technical Development Manager - maternity cover contract

Key Appointments (UK) Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemicals distributor is seeking a Technical Development Manager for maternity cover. The role involves managing technical projects in the personal care sector and requires a Life Sciences degree, along with formulation experience. This hybrid position offers flexible hours and a generous holiday allowance. Join a company known for innovation and technical expertise within the consumer products industry.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell scheme

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working

Professional development opportunities

Mental health support including free counselling

Physical wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Degree in Life Sciences is required.
• Experience in personal care formulation and the chemical industry necessary.
• Strong communication and presentation skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage technical development projects with personal care customers.
• Work closely with R&D teams, providing support from concept through to approval.
• Deliver internal and external technical presentations.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Time-management abilities

Customer-first approach

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in Life Sciences

Job description

Technical Development Manager - maternity cover contract

Full-Time - Maternity Cover Contract

Home-Based with Regular UK and European Travel

(Graduate Visa applicants can be considered for this contract)

We are recruiting on behalf of a leading chemicals distributor for a Technical Development Manager to join their Personal Care division on a maternity cover contract.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining formulation expertise with customer engagement, supporting innovation for well‑known personal care brands.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Lead and manage technical development projects with personal care customers.
• Work closely with R&D teams, providing support from concept through to approval.
• Deliver internal and external technical presentations.
• Undertake joint customer visits with account managers and suppliers.
• Support formulation development in the application lab.
• Provide troubleshooting advice for formulation and manufacturing issues.
• Maintain KPIs, visit schedules and sales opportunity pipelines.
• Build strong and collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Must-have

• Degree in Life Sciences
• Experience in personal care formulation and the chemical industry
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities
• Strategic mindset with a customer‑first approach
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Nice-to-have

• Commercial awareness
• Experience managing or mentoring others
• Understanding of manufacturing processes

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working
• Professional development and internal career programmes
• Mental health support including free counselling
• Physical wellbeing initiatives

A BIT ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a UK‑based chemicals distributor with a strong European presence, supplying raw materials used in everyday consumer products - from skincare and haircare to pharmaceuticals and cleaning solutions.

They are known for their friendly culture, technical expertise and commitment to supporting the development of next‑generation formulations. As part of a wider group, they foster innovation, collaboration and inclusion across the business.

TO APPLY:

Please apply with a CV that displays your suitability for the role.

If shortlisted, our client will contact you to discuss the role and your experience further.

Key Appointments UK Ltd will assess your suitability for the role based on the information contained in your CV and application. This includes skills, experience, education, and location.

By applying for this role, you give consent for your CV to be processed by Key Appointments for recruitment purposes only. Our full Privacy Policy is available at key-appointments.

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful. We will endeavour to provide an outcome as soon as possible.