Technical Manager - Polymers

Merritt Recruitment Limited.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning British manufacturer is seeking a Technical Manager to lead R&D and quality activities at their UK sites. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Chemistry and have experience in quality control and safety compliance. Key responsibilities include overseeing product development, managing technical documentation, and ensuring chemical safety standards. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact a fast-growing global business that operates across multiple countries.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry required for the role.
• Experience in polymer/photopolymer is preferred.
• Environmental and quality management systems experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and new product development.
• Oversee quality control systems and technical documentation.
• Manage technical investigations and ensure compliance.

Skills

R&D leadership

Quality Control systems

Chemical safety knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

SAP

SciNote

Job description

An exceptional opportunity to join an award winning British manufacturer as Technical Manager.

Renowned for innovation and quality, this is a truly global and fast growing chemical manufacturer. The group operates two UK manufacturing sites, a major facility in Asia, and distribution centres in the USA and China. Their international footprint enables products to reach over 100 countries worldwide, alongside the sourcing and supply of specialty chemicals to a diverse range of industries.

Purpose of the Role

Lead all technical, R&D, quality, and compliance activities across the site, supporting product development, regulatory reporting (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, Medical Device standards), environmental compliance, and safe production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and new product development.
• Oversee QC systems, databases, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Direct laboratory teams on QC and R&D activities.
• Manage technical investigations, complaints, and customer interactions.
• Maintain COSHH, MSDS, and technical data for all materials.
• Conduct bench level laboratory work.
• Travelto national and international sites for projects.
• Manage technical files within QMS and support regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with production, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure chemical safety, site H&S, Legionella control, and best laboratory practices.
• Train team members and support technical scaleup to production.
• Maintain strong documentation using SAP/SciNote.
• Report technical progress internally and externally.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry.
• Polymer/photopolymer experience preferred.
• Environmental/QMS experience desirable (training available).
• Strong chemical H&S knowledge.Experience working in regulated, quality driven environments.
• Must have the right to work in the UK, sponsorship is not available.

Personal Attributes

Organised, methodical, strong communicator, motivated, able to work under pressure, confident leader, and willing to undertake hands on bench work.

Why join?

This is an exciting, international environment where you can make a real impact and contribute to a business with genuine global reach and ambition.