Cranleigh STEM is working with a leading Manchester-based chemicals manufacturer renowned for its innovation and technical expertise across a diverse range of industrial applications. As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a talented Senior Formulation Chemist to join their expanding technical team.
This role will play a key part in the development, testing and scale-up of advanced formulated products, with a strong emphasis on reactive polymer systems including silicones, polyurethanes (PU), and coatings. The successful candidate will be hands-on in the lab, while also working closely with manufacturing and commercial teams to ensure the successful delivery of technically robust, scalable formulations.
Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver formulation development projects aligned with business priorities and customer requirements.
* Design and conduct laboratory experiments to optimise the performance, stability, and processing characteristics of new products.
* Analyse and interpret technical data to inform formulation decisions and next steps.
* Develop and refine test methods to evaluate key performance attributes.
* Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support scale-up and process transfer activities.
* Liaise with raw material suppliers to explore new technologies and enhance product development capabilities.
* Oversee laboratory operations to ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures and relevant regulations.
* Maintain clear, accurate records of development work and report progress to the Technical Manager and wider innovation team.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and provide technical support for quality-related investigations.
* Keep up to date with industry developments and emerging formulation trends.
Qualifications
* Degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
* Proven experience in formulation development, ideally within an industrial R&D or technical service setting.
* Strong knowledge of reactive polymer systems such as silicones, polyurethanes, and hybrid chemistries.
* Proficient in designing and executing formulation trials and interpreting results.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
* Highly organised, with a proactive mindset and strong attention to detail.
* Experienced in maintaining laboratory safety standards and adhering to COSHH regulations.
* Competent user of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
* Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Supervisory or project management experience.
* Expertise in scaling formulations from lab to production scale.
* Knowledge of functional performance testing relevant to reactive formulations.
£50k + excellent company benefits
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Science
Industries
Chemical Manufacturing and Chemical Raw Materials Manufacturing
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