Technical Manager - Surfactant Chemistry & NPD Lead

SRG; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Employer pension contribution of 10%

Early finish on Fridays

Job summary

SRG is seeking a Technical Manager (Surfactant Chemistry) to lead the technical function within a Cheshire-based speciality chemicals business. You will shape technical strategy, oversee product quality and compliance, and act as the technical authority across the organisation.

The role combines hands-on formulation work with strategic leadership, customer engagement and team development, with international travel as required.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Emulsion Science or related discipline.
• MSc or PhD qualification highly desirable.
• Extensive experience within speciality chemical manufacturing, formulation or industrial chemicals.
• Strong background in product development and formulation chemistry.
• Previous experience leading technical, quality or R&D teams.
• Proven ability to work directly with customers and suppliers in a technical capacity.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.
• Competitive salary of £60,000-£70,000 DOE
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Employer pension contribution of 10% with no employee contribution required
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent work-life balance with an early finish every Friday

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical function and provide strategic direction across product development, quality, compliance and customer support.
• Manage and develop a small technical team including Quality Control, Product Development and Quality/Food Safety personnel.
• Drive innovation through the development and optimisation of new and existing chemical formulations.
• Support commercial teams by translating customer requirements into technical solutions.
• Act as the primary escalation point for technical enquiries and customer complaints.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure efficient product scale-up and process optimisation.
• Maintain high standards of product quality, regulatory compliance and technical governance.
• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and collaborate on raw material innovation and product improvements.
• Oversee product validation, testing programmes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to business growth through technical expertise, leadership and customer-focused problem solving.
• Ensure appropriate food safety, quality and risk management processes are maintained where applicable.
• Support international customers and stakeholders, including occasional global travel.

Skills

Leadership

Product development

Formulation chemistry

Customer engagement

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Emulsion Science

MSc or PhD desirable

Job description

SRG is seeking a Technical Manager (Surfactant Chemistry) to lead the technical function within a Cheshire-based speciality chemicals business. You will shape technical strategy, oversee product quality and compliance, and act as the technical authority across the organisation.

The role combines hands-on formulation work with strategic leadership, customer engagement and team development, with international travel as required.