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R&D Operations Coordinator

We are working with a leading specialist manufacturer to recruit an R&D Operations Coordinator to join their Research & Development team.

This is a varied and highly visible role supporting the administration, coordination, and progression of product development activities across the business. Working closely with R&D, Quality, Commercial, and Operations teams, you will play a key role in ensuring development projects are accurately tracked, records are maintained, and actions are progressed effectively, while also providing mentoring and support to apprentices.

Key Responsibilities

* Manage the day-to-day administration, logging, tracking, and progression of product development requests and development projects.
* Provide administrative and coordination support to the R&D management team and wider department.
* Maintain accurate records relating to product and colour development activities, ensuring documentation is organised and accessible.
* Coordinate requests for product control plan reviews and allocate enquiries to the appropriate technical personnel.
* Support the tracking and progression of customer quality actions, corrective actions, and related R&D activities.
* Provide administrative support for customer and product development programmes, liaising with internal and external stakeholders where required.
* Maintain records supporting Quality Management Systems and assist with audit preparation activities.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives by recording, monitoring, and progressing agreed actions.
* Manage administration associated with inter-site material and stock transactions, maintaining accurate records and supporting material availability.
* Prepare departmental reports, statistics, and management information as required.
* Coordinate apprentice administration, including training records, development plans, reviews, and communication with training providers.
* Provide day-to-day mentoring and guidance to apprentices, supporting their development and progression against agreed objectives.

Experience

Previous experience in an administrative, project coordination, technical support, or development tracking role is highly desirable. Experience within a manufacturing, chemical, coatings, technical, or Quality Management Systems environment would be advantageous, as would any involvement in supporting apprentices, trainees, or junior employees.

Requirements

Candidates should possess excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities, deadlines, and records simultaneously. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, together with a proactive approach and high attention to detail, are essential.

Location

Essex

Reference

R&D Operations Coordinator | Research & Development Administration

Regulatory & Sustainability Specialist

We are working with a leading manufacturer of specialist chemical products to recruit a Regulatory & Sustainability Specialist.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a chemistry professional with regulatory experience to play a key role in ensuring product compliance across global markets while supporting the company's sustainability objectives. Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, you will manage regulatory compliance activities, coordinate chemical safety processes, and contribute to sustainability and carbon reporting initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

* Monitor UK, European, and global chemical regulations, assessing business impact and supporting compliance implementation activities.
* Manage customer compliance enquiries relating to REACH, RoHS, IMDS, PPAP, Poison Centre Notifications, and other regulatory requirements.
* Coordinate the registration of new raw materials, ensuring relevant chemical safety information is collected and accurately maintained.
* Review and approve product formulations for manufacturing and customer sampling activities.
* Generate and maintain hazard classifications, product labels, and Safety Data Sheets in line with current legislation.
* Support sustainability initiatives through the collection, analysis, and reporting of environmental and carbon data.
* Assist with Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions reporting, customer sustainability questionnaires, and external reporting submissions.
* Monitor utility consumption and environmental performance metrics to support continuous improvement objectives.
* Act as a central point of contact for compliance-related activities and customer enquiries.
* Support quality and compliance projects, including PPAP preparation and submission activities.
* Produce monthly compliance reports, performance metrics, and KPI analysis across regulatory and sustainability functions.

Experience

Candidates should possess experience within a chemical, coatings, manufacturing, or other regulated industry, with exposure to chemical regulatory compliance and product stewardship activities. Experience interpreting Safety Data Sheets, managing customer compliance enquiries, or supporting sustainability and environmental reporting would be highly advantageous.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, or a related discipline. A good understanding of UK/EU REACH, CLP regulations, and chemical safety information is essential, alongside strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

* Experience with IMDS, PPAP, RoHS, UFI, and Poison Centre Notification requirements.
* Experience preparing or reviewing Safety Data Sheets and chemical hazard classifications.
* Knowledge of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 carbon reporting.
* Experience supporting CDP, EcoVadis, or similar sustainability reporting frameworks.
* Understanding of conflict minerals, product stewardship, or transport regulations.
* Experience with Product Vision or similar formulation and regulatory compliance software.

What's on Offer

* Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist chemical manufacturer.
* Diverse role combining regulatory affairs, product stewardship, and sustainability responsibilities.
* Exposure to international compliance and environmental reporting activities.
* Collaborative working environment with strong cross-functional engagement.
* Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.

Reference: Regulatory & Sustainability Specialist | Chemical Manufacturing & Product Stewardship

Location: United Kingdom (Remote) | Hybrid options available in Leeds or London
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £50,000-£75,000 DOE + Performance Bonus + Long-Term Incentive Scheme

The Opportunity

Smart4Sciences are recruiting for a Technical Sales Manager to join a rapidly growing speciality ingredients and chemicals business as it expands its presence within the nutraceutical, food ingredient and speciality ingredient markets.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded individual with a strong scientific background and experience selling ingredients into food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or related sectors. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing a growing business unit focused on speciality raw materials, antioxidants, supplements and performance ingredients supplied across UK and European markets.

This position offers a unique blend of technical sales, business development and commercial leadership. Working closely with senior leadership, you will be given significant autonomy to drive growth, develop customer relationships and help shape the future direction of the division.

Key ResponsibilitiesDrive business development and growth across nutraceutical, food ingredient and speciality ingredient markets.Identify, pursue and secure new business opportunities across the UK and Europe.Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors and supply partners.Manage the entire sales cycle from prospecting and technical discussions through to commercial negotiation and account management.Conduct market analysis to identify growth opportunities, industry trends and competitive activity.Produce and deliver technical and commercial presentations to prospective and existing customers.Work closely with technical and formulation teams to support customer projects and application requirements.Support the development and growth of the commercial team as the business expands.Monitor sales performance, pipeline activity and revenue forecasts.Manage profitability and contribute to budgeting and commercial planning activities.Represent the business at exhibitions, conferences and industry events.Continuously improve sales processes, tools and customer engagement strategies.Travel throughout the UK and EMEA region to support customers, suppliers and business development activities.Skills & Experience RequiredMinimum 3 years' experience within the nutraceutical, food ingredient, supplement or speciality ingredient sectors.Proven experience in technical B2B sales within chemicals, ingredients or related industries.Strong understanding of raw materials, ingredient applications and customer requirements.Degree qualified in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.Strong business development experience with a proven track record of generating and growing revenue.Ability to remain hands-on in sales and customer engagement activities.Experience conducting market analysis and contributing to commercial strategy.Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Experience developing customer presentations and delivering technical proposals.Experience using CRM and ERP systems.Ability to work independently within a remote working environment.Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout the UK and EMEA.Desirable ExperienceExperience managing, mentoring or building commercial teams.Experience within speciality chemicals, antioxidants, food additives, nutraceutical ingredients or pharmaceutical ingredients.Additional management or leadership training.MSc or PhD in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.What's On Offer£50,000-£75,000 basic salary depending on experience.Performance-related bonus scheme.Long-term incentive and share option scheme.Remote working with hybrid options available.Opportunity to build and grow a strategically important business unit.Significant autonomy and influence within a growing organisation.Exposure to UK and international markets.Long-term career progression opportunities.Entrepreneurial and fast-paced working environment.Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and directly influence business growth.Apply Today

If you are an experienced Technical Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Ingredient Sales Manager, Commercial Manager or Account Manager with experience in nutraceuticals, food ingredients, supplements or speciality chemicals, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Submit your CV today for immediate consideration.

Location: Wigan
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Weekend Shift)
Working Pattern: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Salary: Approximately £35,000

The Opportunity

Smart4Sciences are recruiting for a Quality Control Laboratory Technician to join a busy manufacturing operation based in Wigan.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with previous QC laboratory experience to join a fast-paced production environment where quality, accuracy and attention to detail are critical. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring raw materials, in-process products and finished goods meet required quality standards, whilst supporting manufacturing teams through testing, troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.

Key ResponsibilitiesPerform in-process and final product testing in accordance with approved specifications.Test incoming raw materials to ensure compliance with quality requirements.Prepare pre-shipment samples and maintain accurate supporting documentation.Carry out calibration activities in line with equipment schedules and procedures.Complete inspection and testing activities in accordance with manufacturing instructions.Identify non-conforming products, materials and processes and support corrective actions.Issue process adjustment recommendations to production teams where required.Support project work and product development activities when assigned.Provide test method training to operators and designated personnel.Investigate customer complaints, process failures and quality-related issues.Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports and quality documentation.Report incidents, abnormalities and quality concerns to senior personnel.Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality standards at all times.Skills & Experience RequiredBTEC, HNC or equivalent qualification in Chemistry.Previous experience within a Quality Control or laboratory environment.Experience carrying out routine laboratory testing and quality inspections.Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.Good organisational and documentation skills.Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.Effective communication skills.Comfortable working within a manufacturing environment.Desirable ExperienceExperience calibrating laboratory equipment.Knowledge of quality management systems and compliance standards.Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment.Experience investigating customer complaints and non-conformance issues.Experience training operators on test methods and laboratory procedures.What's On OfferCompetitive salary of approximately £35,000.Permanent weekend shift position.Opportunity to join a well-established manufacturing environment.Varied role covering quality control, testing, calibration and investigation activities.Opportunity to develop laboratory and quality assurance experience.Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development opportunities.Apply Today

If you are an experienced QC Technician, Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst or Quality Technician looking for your next opportunity within a manufacturing environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Submit your CV today for immediate consideration.

My client is looking for an experienced Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their production team. Previous experience working with large-scale reactors is highly desirable for this role. If you don't meet every requirement I strongly recommend you still apply - especially if you meet several of the Advanced Experience targets.

Responsibilities

Support the scale-up of research and development projects from laboratory concepts through to full production manufacturingOperate distillation equipment and support small-scale fine chemical manufacturing activitiesProvide technical troubleshooting and problem-solving support to Operations, Quality Control, and Research teamsMaintain accurate technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and operational proceduresRecord and manage production and development data within ERP and associated systemsMaintain safe working practices when handling hazardous chemicals and process equipmentCollaborate closely with Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support operational and development objectives

Equipment experience desired

Distillation UnitsPilot-Scale and Production-Scale ReactorsGas Chromatography (GC)High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)Karl Fischer (KF)

Skills

Process development and scale-upDistillationTechnical troubleshooting and problem solvingStrong understanding of chemical process safetyAbility to work effectively in a busy manufacturing environmentStrong organisational and time management skillsHigh attention to detail and documentation standardsProficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and WordAbility to work flexibly under changing priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Demonstrated Experience

Successfully supported the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory or pilot scale into manufacturing environmentsOperated distillation units and process equipment safely and effectively within a chemical production settingWorked with hazardous chemicals while maintaining high safety and compliance standardsContributed to the manufacture, optimisation, or development of fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, or related productsOrganometallic chemistry experience would be advantageousApplied scientific and technical expertise to resolve production, process, or quality-related issuesMaintained accurate technical records, batch documentation, and quality system requirementsWorked collaboratively with different functions to achieve project and operational objectivesDemonstrated the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Advanced Experience

Led or played a significant role in process development, optimisation, or technology transfer projects that resulted in improved manufacturing performanceDemonstrated expertise in organic chemistry within industrial manufacturing environmentsExperience operating or scaling processes using production-scale reactors (typically 5L+ and above)Resolved complex process, yield, quality, or operational issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysisContributed to the safe introduction of new processes, products, or manufacturing technologies into productionSupported continuous improvement initiatives that improved efficiency, quality, throughput, or process robustnessOperated within fine chemical, speciality chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and demonstrated an understanding of the associated technical and regulatory challengesApplied analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations to support process development, manufacturing, or troubleshooting activitiesProvided technical leadership, mentoring, or specialist expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teamsHolds a PhD, MChem, or equivalent advanced background in Chemistry, with demonstrated application of organic chemistry principles in an industrial setting

Smart4Sciences is supporting a leading manufacturing organisation in recruiting a QC Analyst to join their Quality Control team. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a laboratory environment, carrying out quality control testing to ensure raw materials and finished products meet both company and customer specifications.

The RolePerform quality control testing of raw materials, finished goods, and other samples as requiredPrepare and analyse samples in accordance with established laboratory proceduresSupport the Quality Manager and Quality Control Manager with routine and ad hoc testing activitiesFollow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), health and safety regulations, and maintain laboratory housekeeping standardsEnsure the correct storage and disposal of retained production and laboratory samplesValidate laboratory instruments in line with company proceduresManage laboratory consumables and solvent stock, carrying out regular stock checks and arranging replenishment where requiredIssue Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and maintain accurate laboratory records and filing systemsSupport Production, Customer Service, Technical Service, Purchasing, R&D, and Commercial teams through timely and accurate testingIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance laboratory performance and efficiencyUtilise Microsoft Word, Excel, and internal systems including Epicor, BOS, COSHH databases, Torque databases, and email systemsThe CandidateExperience working within a laboratory environmentPrevious experience in a Quality Control roleA Levels or equivalent qualifications in one or more scientific subjectsProficient in Microsoft Word and ExcelStrong attention to detail and commitment to quality standardsAbility to manage workloads effectively and work flexibly to meet business needsExcellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across departmentsKnowledge of laboratory health and safety practices and quality procedures

If you're looking to develop your career within a quality-focused laboratory environment and contribute to the delivery of high-quality products, Smart4Sciences would love to hear from you.

ResponsibilitiesPerform quality control testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using a range of analytical techniquesDocument and report analytical results in accordance with quality procedures and regulatory standardsSupport production, quality, and R&D teams through accurate and timely laboratory testingInvestigate analytical issues, out-of-specification results, and support root cause analysisContribute to method development, validation, and continuous improvement initiativesMaintain laboratory compliance, technical documentation, and safe working practicesInstrument SkillsGas Chromatography (GC)High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)Karl Fischer Titrators (KF)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)Analytical BalancesTitration EquipmentGas Generation SystemsSkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesExcellent attention to detail and accuracyStrong organisational and time management skillsAbility to prioritise workloads in a fast-paced laboratory environmentKnowledge of laboratory safety and handling hazardous chemicalsStrong documentation and record-keeping skillsEffective communication and teamwork skillsProficiency in Microsoft Excel and WordRequired ExperienceDegree in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)1-2 years' experience within an analytical or quality control laboratory. Years of experience may include relevant academic experience.Practical experience operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, and titrationsExperience handling hazardous chemicalsUnderstanding of QC Quality systems like ISO 9001:2015Experience managing multiple priorities and working to deadlinesDesired / Advanced Experience3-5 years' Quality Control experience within fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or a related industryExperience troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing GC, HPLC, and gas generation systems Advanced expertise operating GC, HPLC, FTIR, Karl Fischer equipment, titration systems, and analytical balancesExperience supporting analytical method development and validationKnowledge of quality management systems, including ISO 9001:2015Proven ability to investigate quality issues and implement corrective actionsDemonstrated success driving process improvements and laboratory efficiency initiativesStrong track record of prioritising work effectively in an operational laboratory environment