Product Development Chemist

Kinetic is working with a leading Chemical Manufacturing company who are hiring a Product Development Chemist for their team in Derbyshire.

Please note that you must meet all the criteria set out below for your application to be considered. Suitable candidates will be contacted within 5 working days. If you are not contacted by us within that time, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.

The main responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Deliver product development tasks and projects in line with agreed timelines, standards, and budgets.
• Maintain accurate records of testing, research, and development activities.
• Manage weekly laboratory work plans across the product portfolio.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret data for project reporting.
• Support the transfer of products from laboratory to production, resolving any issues that arise.
• Work closely with Quality on specifications, production concerns, non-conformances, and complaint investigations.
• Create and maintain material codes within the ERP system.
• Provide support and cover for the Senior Product Development Chemist where required.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and internal departments including Sales, Engineering, Production, and Quality.
• Monitor legislative changes, market trends, and sector developments to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Contribute ideas, recommendations, and continuous improvement initiatives to support product development.
• Build strong technical knowledge of the product range, formulations, and commercial applications.
• Support the effective day-to-day running of the R&D laboratory, ensuring compliance with quality, health & safety, hygiene, and equipment maintenance standards.

To be successful, you will need to meet the following:

• Education to Degree level or above in chemistry (or equivalent)
• Must have experience working in a manufacturing business involved with 2-component polymer chemistry in the civil engineering and adhesives market.
• Experience of working in a commercial laboratory, including a range of testing techniques.
• Project management experience desirable but not necessary.
• IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and use of databases.
• Detail-oriented and analytical self-starter with strong problem-solving, documentation, and report-writing skills, and a continuous drive to learn and develop.
• Please note: this opportunity is open only to candidates currently based in the UK.