Technical Manager

Smart4Sciences; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4Sciences in Greater Manchester is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead the technical and R&D function, driving new product development and commercialisation of polymer-based products. The role demands a strong polymer background and proven leadership within an R&D or NPD setting.

You will manage and mentor the technical team, collaborate with manufacturing on scale-up, and work with senior leadership to push product innovation and performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Significant experience working with polymers within R&D, NPD or a technical environment.
• Proven experience managing or leading a technical or R&D team.
• Experience taking products from development through to commercialisation.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and R&D function, overseeing new product development.
• Develop and improve polymer-based products through to commercialisation.
• Manage, mentor and develop the technical team.
• Drive product improvement and technical innovation.
• Oversee testing, validation and product performance.
• Work closely with manufacturing to support product scale-up.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and wider business teams.

Skills

Polymer science

Chemistry

People management

Project management

R&D leadership

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Polymer Science

Materials Science

Job description

Technical Manager - Greater Manchester Smart4Sciences is working with a specialist manufacturer within the construction materials sector to recruit a Technical Manager for their site in the North West.

This is a senior opportunity for a technically experienced professional with a strong polymer background and experience leading people within an R&D, NPD or technical environment. The successful candidate will take ownership of the technical function, supporting product development and bringing new products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and R&D function, overseeing new product development.
• Develop and improve polymer-based products through to commercialisation.
• Manage, mentor and develop the technical team.
• Drive product improvement and technical innovation.
• Oversee testing, validation and product performance.
• Work closely with manufacturing to support product scale-up.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and wider business teams.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Significant experience working with polymers within R&D, NPD or a technical environment.
• Proven experience managing or leading a technical or R&D team.
• Experience taking products from development through to commercialisation.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and people-management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Background in insulation, membranes or construction materials.
• Experience with polymer films, coatings, adhesives, laminates or similar materials.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment.

Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 depending on experience

Location: Greater Manchester