Job Search

We are working with a leading manufacturer of premium decorative coatings to recruit a QC / Technical Chemist for their North West facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on laboratory professional to join a well-established coatings manufacturer with a reputation for producing high-quality, technically advanced products. Reporting to the Lab R&D Manager, you will play a key role in quality control, technical problem-solving, batch release, and supporting manufacturing operations to ensure consistently high product standards.

* Carry out quality control testing on raw materials, colorants, in-process batches, and finished products against established specifications.
* Perform laboratory testing including viscosity, density, pH, opacity, gloss, colour, drying time, scrub resistance, adhesion, stability, and application assessments.
* Support batch approval and product release activities through accurate testing and result evaluation.
* Investigate quality, production, and customer-related technical issues, recommending corrective actions where required.
* Assist with colour matching, shade adjustment, tinting accuracy, and product consistency checks.
* Prepare laboratory samples, drawdowns, application panels, and performance trials.
* Maintain accurate quality records, specifications, test reports, and supporting documentation.
* Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and consistent testing.
* Work closely with Production, Technical, and Procurement teams to support quality improvements and issue resolution.
* Assist with raw material evaluations, benchmarking activities, and formulation support projects.

Candidates should have previous experience within a QC, technical laboratory, or coatings testing environment, ideally within paints, coatings, chemicals, or a manufacturing setting. Experience carrying out laboratory testing, batch approval activities, and investigating quality issues would be highly beneficial.

A scientific qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent is desirable, although strong practical laboratory experience will also be considered. Applicants should possess excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a good understanding of quality control procedures and safe laboratory practices.

* Salary of £28,000 - £34,000 depending on experience.
* Opportunity to join a respected manufacturer with a strong reputation for premium products.
* Varied and hands-on technical role with responsibility across quality control and manufacturing support.
* Collaborative working environment with close interaction between laboratory and production teams.
* Ongoing training, development, and progression opportunities within the technical function.

We are working with a leading global manufacturer of specialist coated products to recruit a New Product Development Chemist.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and commercially minded chemist to play a key role in developing new products and improving existing technologies. Working within a dynamic NPD team, you will manage development projects from concept through to commercial launch, helping to drive future business growth through technical innovation.

* Manage product and process development projects from initial concept through to commercialisation.
* Identify and evaluate new product opportunities, assessing feasibility, costs, resources, and commercial potential.
* Plan and prioritise development activities to meet project deadlines and business objectives.
* Monitor project progress and provide clear recommendations on development pathways and launch decisions.
* Support and coordinate laboratory, pilot, and production trials.
* Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful scale-up and product implementation.
* Engage with external partners including suppliers, test houses, consultants, and academic institutions.
* Share technical findings and development insights across the wider business.
* Provide technical support relating to material specifications, process improvements, customer enquiries, and product-related issues.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across products and manufacturing processes.

Candidates should have at least 3 years experience in product or process development within coatings, chemicals, paper, film, adhesives, or a similar manufacturing environment. Experience managing development projects from concept through to commercial launch, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills, is essential.

A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline is preferred. Applicants should possess strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

* Experience within laboratory testing, R&D, Quality Control, or Technical Services environments.
* Knowledge of coatings, adhesives, paper, film, or related materials technologies.
* Background with formulation chemistry

We are working with a well-established specialist chemical manufacturer to recruit a Lab / Operations Manager for their site in South East London.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced laboratory and operations professional to take ownership of quality, R&D, and manufacturing activities within a growing business supplying products to customers across global commercial and secure printing markets. Reporting directly to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

* Lead the laboratory function, overseeing both Quality Control and Research & Development activities.
* Manage laboratory technicians and departmental managers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory, production, and operational processes.
* Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
* Support product development activities, working closely with technical and commercial teams.
* Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality.
* Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve business objectives.
* Develop, coach, and mentor staff, building capability across the organisation.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.
* Work closely with senior leadership to support business strategy and site development plans.
* Provide operational leadership across the wider manufacturing facility as responsibilities expand within the role.

* Minimum of 5 years' experience within a chemical laboratory environment.
* Previous management experience with responsibility for leading and developing people.
* Strong background in Quality Control, Research & Development, and manufacturing operations.
* Experience within inks, coatings, paints, pigments, resins, or other speciality chemical manufacturing environments.
* Ideally educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Colour Science, or a related scientific discipline.
* Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.
* Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and operational performance.
* Computer literate with strong organisational and administrative skills.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

* Hands-on leader with a proactive and practical approach.
* Strong team player capable of building positive working relationships across all levels of the business.
* Results-driven with a focus on continual improvement and operational excellence.
* Able to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities effectively.
* Ambitious individual looking to develop into a broader senior leadership role.

* Competitive salary (available upon application).
* Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist manufacturer.
* Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions.
* Varied role with responsibility across laboratory, quality, R&D, and operations functions.
* Long-term career progression with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment within a well-established family-owned business.

We are working with a well-established specialist chemical manufacturer to recruit a Lab / Operations Manager for their site in South East London.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced laboratory and operations professional to take ownership of quality, R&D, and manufacturing activities within a growing business supplying products to customers across global commercial and secure printing markets. Reporting directly to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in driving operational performance, developing teams, and supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

* Lead the laboratory function, overseeing both Quality Control and Research & Development activities.
* Manage laboratory technicians and departmental managers, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory, production, and operational processes.
* Ensure all products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
* Support product development activities, working closely with technical and commercial teams.
* Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality.
* Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve business objectives.
* Develop, coach, and mentor staff, building capability across the organisation.
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.
* Work closely with senior leadership to support business strategy and site development plans.
* Provide operational leadership across the wider manufacturing facility as responsibilities expand within the role.

* Minimum of 5 years' experience within a chemical laboratory environment.
* Previous management experience with responsibility for leading and developing people.
* Strong background in Quality Control, Research & Development, and manufacturing operations.
* Experience within inks, coatings, paints, pigments, resins, or other speciality chemical manufacturing environments.
* Ideally educated in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Colour Science, or a related scientific discipline.
* Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and manufacturing processes.
* Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and operational performance.
* Computer literate with strong organisational and administrative skills.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

* Hands-on leader with a proactive and practical approach.
* Strong team player capable of building positive working relationships across all levels of the business.
* Results-driven with a focus on continual improvement and operational excellence.
* Able to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities effectively.
* Ambitious individual looking to develop into a broader senior leadership role.

* Competitive salary (available upon application).
* Opportunity to join a successful and growing specialist manufacturer.
* Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic business decisions.
* Varied role with responsibility across laboratory, quality, R&D, and operations functions.
* Long-term career progression with the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment within a well-established family-owned business.

We are working with a leading advanced materials manufacturer to recruit an R&D Chemist to join their growing research and development team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced polymer or materials scientist to play a key role in the development of next-generation thermoset resin systems. Working across the full product lifecycle, you will lead complex formulation and development projects, supporting innovation, process improvement, and the delivery of high-performance products for demanding industrial applications.

* Lead the formulation, optimisation, and validation of epoxy-based thermoset resin systems for prepregs and film adhesives.
* Apply industry experience to improve material performance, processing characteristics, and product robustness.
* Drive R&D projects from concept through to completion using structured development methodologies.
* Conduct laboratory investigations covering curing mechanisms, kinetic analysis, additive optimisation, and structure-property relationships.
* Support scale-up activities including pilot trials and manufacturing implementation.
* Provide technical support and troubleshooting for product performance, processing challenges, and customer-specific requirements.
* Monitor developments in polymer science and thermoset technologies to identify innovation opportunities.
* Maintain accurate technical documentation including formulations, test reports, processing guides, and development records.
* Present experimental findings, conclusions, and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
* Collaborate closely with R&D Engineers, Project Managers, Production, Quality, and Commercial teams.
* Provide guidance and support to laboratory technicians where required.
* Liaise with suppliers and customers to support technical and project-related activities.
* Ensure compliance with all quality, health, safety, and environmental procedures.

* PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
* Several years of industrial experience in thermosetting resin formulation, ideally with epoxy systems.
* Strong understanding of polymerisation chemistry, reaction mechanisms, curing behaviour, and structure-property relationships.
* Experience within coatings, adhesives, composites, thermosets, or related materials sectors.
* Hands-on experience with analytical and thermal characterisation techniques such as DSC, DMA, rheology, spectroscopy, and chromatography.
* Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experimental programmes.
* Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
* High level of computer literacy and experience analysing experimental data.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

* Passion for materials science and advanced product development.
* Innovative and proactive approach to solving technical challenges.
* Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
* Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
* Flexible, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced R&D environment.
* Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and professional integrity.

* Opportunity to work on cutting-edge materials development projects.
* Collaborative and innovative R&D environment.
* Exposure to cross-functional projects from concept through to commercialisation.
* Long-term career development within a growing and technology-focused organisation.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.

Laboratory Technician
We are working with a leading global advanced materials organisation to recruit a Laboratory Technician to join their Materials & Testing team during an exciting period of growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a specialist laboratory environment supporting critical product testing for aerospace and advanced materials applications. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality test data to support customer qualifications, product development, and problem resolution activities.

Key Responsibilities
* Demonstrate and promote a strong safety culture across all laboratory activities
* Carry out composite and adhesive panel fabrication, machining, and destructive mechanical testing
* Perform testing in line with international and customer-specific standards
* Maintain accurate and auditable records of all laboratory work and project documentation
* Support multiple projects to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of results
* Work collaboratively with internal teams, customers, and suppliers
* Maintain high standards of housekeeping within the laboratory environment

Requirements
* 5 GCSEs/O-Levels or A-Level in a relevant subject
* Ability to read and understand technical documentation and specifications
* Computer literacy, including Excel and Word
* Experience working within a team-based environment

Desirable Experience
* HNC/HND qualification in a relevant discipline
* Experience operating machining equipment
* Background in composite panel fabrication or mechanical testing (e.g. Instron, Zwick, MTS)
* Understanding of composite materials and associated technologies
* Experience using LIMS systems (e.g. LabWare)
* Previous experience within an industrial or technology-based environment

What's on Offer
* Competitive salary of £30,000 - £35,000
* Comprehensive training and development opportunities
* Access to a global learning platform and language courses
* Enhanced parental leave options
* Wellbeing support including physical and mental health resources
* Opportunity to work within a collaborative and innovative environment

Additional Information
* Shift-based role (two/three-shift pattern, Monday to Friday) with occasional overtime
* Applicants must have the right to work in the UK due to the sensitive nature of the work