Technical Manager

Smart4Sciences; Bolton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4Sciences in Bolton is seeking a Technical Manager to own the company's technical function, leading R&D, new product development and the successful launch of polymer-based insulation and membrane products to market.

You will lead and develop a growing technical team, collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sales and Commercial teams, and ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field.
• Experience in R&D or New Product Development environments.
• Proven experience with polymer-based materials and products.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams.
• Understanding of product development from concept to launch.
• Experience in insulation, construction materials, membranes, or related sectors is advantageous.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical function, overseeing R&D and NPD activities.
• Drive development of innovative polymer-based products from concept to launch.
• Mentor and develop the technical team with performance management.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, innovation, differentiation.
• Oversee product formulation, testing, validation and performance evaluation.
• Ensure products meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Commercial teams to support launches.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Materials Science or related

Job description

We are working with a leading manufacturer within the construction materials sector to recruit a Technical Manager for their site in Bolton.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical professional to take ownership of the company's entire technical function, leading product innovation, research and development, and the successful launch of new products to market. Working closely with senior leadership, you will drive the development of advanced insulation and membrane products while managing and developing a growing technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the company's technical function, overseeing all Research & Development and New Product Development activities.
• Drive the development of innovative polymer-based products from concept through to commercial launch.
• Manage and develop the technical team, providing leadership, mentoring, and performance management.
• Identify opportunities for product improvements, innovation, and market differentiation.
• Oversee product formulation, testing, validation, and performance evaluation activities.
• Ensure new products meet relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Commercial teams to support successful product launches.

Requirements

• Degree educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong background within Research & Development or New Product Development environments.
• Proven experience working with polymer-based materials and products.
• Previous experience leading, managing, and developing technical teams.
• Strong understanding of product development processes from concept through to commercialisation.
• Experience within insulation products, construction materials, membranes, or related manufacturing sectors would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the business