Sure Start Staff | Chemist | Manufacturing | Production | Middelton This is a unique opportunity for a Chemist who thrives in a collaborative environment, is eager to work hand-in-hand with the production teams, and is passionate about driving continuous improvement and overcoming challenges head-on. Employment Type: Ongoing Temporary Location: Middleton Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Salary: £14.42 per hour We’re seeking a proactive and results-driven Production Chemist to join our client. You'll be the crucial link between R&D and manufacturing, helping to deliver innovative formulations into full-scale production, working side-by-side with production teams, tackling challenges head-on, and continuously improving product quality and processes. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate closely with R&D, Blending, and Production teams to develop, trial, and implement new formulations. Manage the full product development cycle — from lab testing to pilot trials to full production — ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality. Actively support production teams, troubleshooting formulation and manufacturing issues to minimize downtime and improve "Right First Time" performance. Lead and organize regular technical meetings with production staff to share updates, drive communication, and encourage feedback. Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, product quality, and operational efficiencies. Prepare samples, conduct laboratory tests, and ensure external testing is arranged for new developments. Maintain strict compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards. Proactively suggest new ways to improve formulations, reduce waste, and optimize production methods. About You: Degree-qualified in Chemistry or a related scientific field. Experience in a chemistry-related role within manufacturing, ideally working with cleaning products, chemicals, or similar sectors. Strong wet chemistry experience and a sound understanding of blending processes, raw materials, and scale-up from lab to production. Confident problem-solver who embraces challenges and proposes practical, effective solutions. Excellent communication skills, able to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical colleagues. Comfortable in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly. Desirable: Experience scaling up products from the laboratory to manufacturing. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and process improvement methodologies (LEAN/Six Sigma experience a plus). SAP knowledge for production support. If you're ready to take ownership, drive improvements, and work closely with production to make a real impact, apply now Sure Start Staff act as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and an Employment Business for temporary opportunities