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- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects in the R&D department, collaborating across teams.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the façade industry focused on technological advancements.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, opportunities for travel, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, impacting market-leading products and revenue growth.
- Qualifications: BSc in a scientific discipline with 5+ years of research experience; PhD preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor graduate scientists and represent the company at industry events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting To: Head of Research and Development
Salary Band: Starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Location: This role will be based at Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim
Job Purpose: In this newly created role, you will be responsible for leading Research and NPI activities within the R&D department, collaborating closely with the Business Development function to help execute projects according to agreed technology road maps. The role has a strong focus on Innovation with activities directed towards technological advances within the façade industry resulting in delivery of market leading products which will have a major impact on margin and revenue. Working as part of the R&D team you will also collaborate closely with all departments on customer technical support, operations support, product enhancement and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Head of R&D, lead contribution to ideation, working with internal departments, academic organisations, suppliers and market research organisations to deliver market leading and market disrupting technologies.
- Responsible for planning and implementation of Research, NPI and Tech Study projects in line with the company strategic goals and objectives by working within the NPI process / Business Development functions.
- Collaboration with the Senior Scientist – Team Lead in task execution, taking responsibility for the planning, scheduling and implementation of specific new product developments and product improvement projects.
- Working closely with Business Development, co-ordinate the introduction of specific new products to market through the stage-gate process, controlling the scale up activities, involvement in site trials, assessing customer feedback and liaising with other departments to ensure all relevant technical and regulatory information is in place for product launch.
- Taking on a leadership role as the innovation team expands to include members such as Graduate Scientists.
- Provision of support to Senior Scientist – Team Lead, standing in for holiday cover etc.
- Provision of technical support, advice and training to the internal and external customer.
- Represent the company at conferences, trade shows and other events.
Criteria:
Education:
- Essential: BSc degree or above in scientific discipline with at least 5 years Research Experience in Material Science.
- Desirable: PhD focused on construction materials science.
Experience:
- Essential: Experience of research project management - preferably within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience of scaling up of laboratory research to production and providing technical support.
- Desirable: Awareness of the strategic objectives of a commercial and research department.
- Technical expertise with cementitious or synthetic resin product chemistries.
Skills and Competences:
- Essential: Hunger to drive innovation through collaboration and inspiration of original thought – liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including academia, construction industry bodies, applicators and suppliers.
- Proven project management capabilities with experience of Product Development from Initial Idea to Launch including involving and influencing a variety of stakeholders.
- Highly IT Literate in Excel and strong Planning and Communication / Influencing Skills with a desire to undertake Continuous Learning.
- Results driven with a strong desire to succeed and ability to work on own initiative.
- Analytical thinker with the ability to solve problems and make pragmatic decisions.
- Ability to understand written technical data.
- Ability to supervise team members and ensure the department and company objectives are met.
Circumstances:
- Essential: Able to work flexible hours and travel as required to ensure business needs are met.
- Possess a full current driving licence.
Personality Fit:
- Enthusiastic and passionate about our customer experience and our reputation.
- A creative thinker who can problem solve and drive continuous improvement.
- A values ambassador who leads by example and walks and talks our values.
- Determined and driven by results whilst eager to work at pace.
Development Chemist – Innovation employer: Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd
Contact Detail:
Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chemist – Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and materials science industries. Attend relevant conferences and trade shows where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest innovations. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also increase your visibility to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the façade industry. Being well-versed in current market demands and technological advances will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in driving innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your project management skills by discussing specific examples of past research projects you've led. Highlight how you coordinated with various stakeholders and successfully brought products from concept to market, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate effectively by sharing experiences where you worked with cross-functional teams. Emphasise your communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for liaising with internal departments and external partners in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chemist – Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in research and development, particularly in material science. Emphasise any project management roles you've held and your ability to drive innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation and collaboration. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to product development and your understanding of the façade industry.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the job description, such as project management, technical expertise in cementitious or synthetic resin chemistries, and your IT literacy. Use bullet points for clarity.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This could include scaling up laboratory research to production or leading a team through a complex project.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd
✨Showcase Your Innovation Mindset
As a Development Chemist focused on innovation, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think creatively. Prepare examples of past projects where you led innovative solutions or contributed to significant advancements in material science.
✨Highlight Project Management Experience
Since the role requires strong project management skills, be ready to discuss your experience in managing research projects. Share specific instances where you successfully took a product from concept to launch, detailing your approach to stakeholder engagement and problem-solving.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so prepare to talk about how you've worked with various teams, including R&D, business development, and external partners. Highlight your ability to liaise effectively with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Make sure to brush up on your technical knowledge related to cementitious or synthetic resin product chemistries. Be prepared to discuss relevant technical data and how it applies to the role, showcasing your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
