Laboratory Supervisor (R&D)

Collins McNicholas Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturer in Cork is seeking an experienced Laboratory Supervisor to oversee laboratory operations. The role involves coordinating technical support staff, conducting formulation studies, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have at least a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field and 3–5 years of relevant experience. Competitive salary and permanent contract offered.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of industrial laboratory experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising or mentoring laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee activities of laboratory technicians, assign tasks and monitor progress.
• Design and conduct formulation studies for various cleaning products.
• Produce technical reports, method statements, and risk assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related discipline

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Supervisor (R&D Lab) to join our client, one of Ireland's leading chemical manufacturers as they grow their team in Little Island, Cork. This is a permanent contract based on a Monday-Friday work week. This position combines laboratory-based experimental development with operational oversight of technical support staff. The role is suited to an individual with substantive experience in surfactant chemistry, formulation science, and wet chemistry, coupled with the capability to supervise laboratory technicians, coordinate workloads, maintain analytical standards, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Role Responsibilities

• The Laboratory Supervisor will oversee day-to-day activities of laboratory technicians; assign tasks, setting and agreeing priorities, monitor progress, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Independently design and conduct formulation studies for liquid and powder detergents, surface cleaners, and related hygiene chemicals.
• The Laboratory Supervisor will develop food process aid formulations in compliance with customer, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate raw materials, carry out stability testing, conduct routine and advanced analyses.
• The Laboratory Supervisor will produce technical reports, method statements, formulation dossiers, and risk assessments.
• Present study outcomes to multidisciplinary teams and support decision-making regarding product commercialisation.
• Ensure structured workflow management: sample booking, formulation coding, batch tracking, and documentation control.
• Maintain stock levels of reagents, raw materials, standards, consumables, and PPE.
• Collaborate with QA to investigate non-conformities, validate formulation changes, and generate supporting data for technical files.
• Translate laboratory formulations into pilot batches.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, formulation science, or a closely related discipline.
• 3–5 years of industrial laboratory experience in detergent, personal care, home care, industrial hygiene, or chemical formulation environments.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising or mentoring laboratory personnel is desirable.
• Strong analytical skillset.

For a confidential discussion and more information on the role, please contact Barry O'Brien.

[e-mail]

021-4911060