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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.

* 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.

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.

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.

Essex

R&D Operations Coordinator | Research & Development Administration