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- Tasks: Lead product formulation to enhance profitability and develop innovative consumer products.
- Company: Join a family-run business with a global presence in specialty chemicals since 1926.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit sharing, and the chance to work on sustainable projects.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating eco-friendly products that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in chemistry with over 5 years of experience in product formulation required.
- Other info: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK; driving licence preferred due to location.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.
Site-Based, County Durham
Job ref: EG/63933
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum plus profit sharing
Reporting into: Head of New Product Development
Company Overview: Established since 1926, with offices in the UK, USA and China, currently exporting to 80 countries worldwide with a global network of distributors. Despite their growing presence in the UK and across International chemical markets, they remain flexible just like a true independent family-run business. By 2030 they are looking to transition their portfolio to one that is sustainable.
Role Overview: With a vision to be the partner of choice for customers who are looking to transition to value added, sustainable derived and functioning specialty chemistry. The company are keen to develop their consumer actives markets, such as: household goods, laundry and cosmetics. Your role through product formulation will be to increase the profitability of the business in line with business strategy, you will serve as the technical expert and have sole responsibility for their new lab, developing new and improving existing products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Able to identify the requirements for expanding formulation capabilities and make recommendations based on personal knowledge and experience (including setting up laboratories).
- Acts as a technical expert, supporting product enhancements, quality improvements, customer requests, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Plans and implements product design studies within strategic commercial markets (e.g., Consumer Actives).
- Validates and implements suitable application tests in collaboration with R&D and analytical teams.
- Takes ownership of product formulations, ensuring they are optimized to meet customer requirements.
- Screens both new and existing products for alternative functional effects.
- Evaluates new raw materials for potential use.
- Collaborates with team members to identify, capture, and address new product opportunities.
- Develops stock formulations and utilises these to generate relevant data to support marketing and value development activities.
- Reports and communicates results and recommendations to key stakeholders within the business.
What We’re Looking For:
- Educated to MSc or PhD level in chemistry or another relevant subject.
- Over 5 years of technical experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience in product formulation.
- Ideally, some previous experience in an applications testing role.
- Experience within the Consumer Care market.
- Innovative mindset – able to think creatively and outside the box.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of relevant industry regulatory requirements.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A driving licence and own car are desirable due to the location.
- Highly driven to succeed with a strong sense of initiative.
- Ability to make prompt decisions, exercising technical judgement even when faced with ambiguity or incomplete information/data.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove?
- Five Decades of Market Intelligence
- Unrivalled Industry Networks
- Recognised International brand
- HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove's Case Studies page.
Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Plastics Live UK, The advanced materials show UK, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025.
Performance through People.
Senior Formulations Chemist employer: Listgrove
Contact Detail:
Listgrove Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Formulations Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the chemical manufacturing and consumer care sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the company's product portfolio and their sustainability goals. Understanding their vision will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous formulation projects. Highlight your problem-solving skills and innovative mindset by sharing how you've successfully tackled challenges in product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the regulatory requirements relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about industry standards will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Formulations Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in product formulation and technical expertise in chemistry. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to meet the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about sustainable chemistry and how your innovative mindset aligns with the company's vision. Mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially if you hold an MSc or PhD in chemistry or a related field. Emphasise your over 5 years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment and any specific knowledge of industry regulatory requirements.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure that your application is well-structured and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated results and recommendations to stakeholders in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Listgrove
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Formulations Chemist, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of product formulation and chemistry. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
✨Understand the Company's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's goal of transitioning to sustainable products by 2030. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for sustainability in chemistry and share any relevant experience you have in developing eco-friendly formulations or products.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Prepare examples of how you've identified formulation needs, implemented product design studies, or collaborated with R&D teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to explain your thought process when making decisions, especially when dealing with ambiguity or incomplete data.
