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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead formulation projects, conduct lab experiments, and collaborate with teams to develop innovative products.
- Company: Join a top Manchester chemicals manufacturer known for innovation and technical expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £50k plus excellent company benefits and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of advanced formulated products with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; experience in formulation development and strong knowledge of polymers required.
- Other info: Hands-on lab work with a focus on safety and compliance in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cranleigh STEM is working with a leading Manchester-based chemicals manufacturer renowned for its innovation and technical expertise across a diverse range of industrial applications. As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a talented Senior Formulation Chemist to join their expanding technical team. This role will play a key part in the development, testing and scale-up of advanced formulated products, with a strong emphasis on reactive polymer systems including silicones, polyurethanes (PU), and coatings. The successful candidate will be hands-on in the lab, while also working closely with manufacturing and commercial teams to ensure the successful delivery of technically robust, scalable formulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver formulation development projects aligned with business priorities and customer requirements.
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments to optimise the performance, stability, and processing characteristics of new products.
- Analyse and interpret technical data to inform formulation decisions and next steps.
- Develop and refine test methods to evaluate key performance attributes.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support scale-up and process transfer activities.
- Liaise with raw material suppliers to explore new technologies and enhance product development capabilities.
- Oversee laboratory operations to ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures and relevant regulations.
- Maintain clear, accurate records of development work and report progress to the Technical Manager and wider innovation team.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and provide technical support for quality-related investigations.
- Keep up to date with industry developments and emerging formulation trends.
Requirements
- Degree qualified in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience in formulation development, ideally within an industrial R&D or technical service setting.
- Strong knowledge of reactive polymer systems such as silicones, polyurethanes, and hybrid chemistries.
- Proficient in designing and executing formulation trials and interpreting results.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Highly organised, with a proactive mindset and strong attention to detail.
- Experienced in maintaining laboratory safety standards and adhering to COSHH regulations.
- Competent user of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable Experience
- Supervisory or project management experience.
- Expertise in scaling formulations from lab to production scale.
- Knowledge of functional performance testing relevant to reactive formulations.
£50k + excellent company benefits
Senior Formulation Chemist employer: Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Formulation Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the chemicals industry, especially those who have experience with reactive polymer systems. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in formulation chemistry.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and products used by the company. Research their current projects and innovations to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on laboratory experience in detail. Be ready to share examples of formulation development projects you've led, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally by preparing examples of past collaborations with manufacturing or quality teams. Highlight how these experiences have contributed to successful product launches or improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Formulation Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in formulation development, particularly with reactive polymer systems like silicones and polyurethanes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on lab work and collaboration with manufacturing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in R&D settings and your ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to formulation trials, data analysis, and laboratory safety standards. Mention your proficiency with MS Office and any relevant software that may be beneficial for the role.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any recent training or courses you've taken related to formulation trends or new technologies in the chemicals industry. This shows your commitment to staying updated and improving your expertise.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with reactive polymer systems, particularly silicones and polyurethanes. Highlight specific projects where you successfully developed formulations, and be ready to explain the methodologies you used.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to analyse and interpret technical data. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in formulation development and how you optimised product performance based on your findings.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with manufacturing and commercial teams, be ready to share experiences where you collaborated cross-functionally. Discuss how you communicated technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research recent developments in formulation chemistry and be prepared to discuss emerging trends. Showing that you are proactive about keeping up with industry changes can demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
