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- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative hot melt adhesives for packaging.
- Company: Join a respected technical team focused on product innovation in Rudheath, England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, free lunch, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment with a values-driven team.
- Qualifications: Must have hands-on experience with hot melt adhesives and a degree in Chemistry or related field.
- Other info: Visa sponsorship and relocation support available for eligible international candidates.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you a specialist in hot melt adhesives looking to make a significant impact in packaging and product innovation? We are seeking a Senior R&D Chemist to join a respected and ambitious technical team, where you'll lead formulation and development projects in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. This is a UK-based, full-time, on-site role located in Rudheath, Northwich. Our client welcomes applications from international candidates and is able to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to eligible individuals. Relocation support is available.
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, developing hot melt adhesives and related products used primarily in the packaging industry. Your responsibilities will span from R&D and scale-up through to customer trials and board-level presentations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead formulation of packaging hot melt adhesives and other adhesive types (water-based, such as PVA, VAE based, acrylic solvent-based)
- Reformulate to improve performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency
- Evaluate novel raw materials and support full-scale manufacturing scale-ups
- Collaborate with suppliers, sales, and customers across the UK and Europe
- Ensure all products meet relevant regulatory and quality standards (ISO 9001)
- Present technical progress and results in internal meetings and at board level
Requirements
Strict Requirement: Candidates must have direct experience working with hot melt adhesives or hot melt adhesive applications. Experience in packaging is desirable, but experience with hot melt technology is non-negotiable.
Must-Haves:
- Proven, hands-on experience in formulating packaging and labelling hot melt adhesives or developing hot melt applications
- Degree or HND in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
- Strong experience in taking products from R&D through to commercialisation
- Skilled in scaling up from lab batches to production
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- UK driving licence (some travel within UK and EU)
Preferred (but not essential):
- Exposure to water-based and solvent-based adhesive systems
- Experience in customer trials or technical sales support
Benefits
- GBP35,000 - GBP60,000 annual salary
- Bonus scheme linked to company gross profit
- Visa sponsorship available for eligible overseas applicants
- Relocation support for international or UK-based movers
- Free lunch and on-site parking
- 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
- Work with a values-driven team focused on Responsibility, Relationships, and Results
Location & Hours
Gadbrook Business Centre, Rudheath, Northwich (on-site) Monday to Friday 45 hours per week
Visa & Relocation Support
Our client is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas under the UK Home Office scheme and actively welcome applications from international candidates who meet the technical criteria. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK work visa, including English language requirements.
If you're ready to lead in hot melt innovation and want to work with a team that values your expertise, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior R&D Chemist - Hot Melt Adhesives employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Chemist - Hot Melt Adhesives
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hot melt adhesives industry. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and employers. This can help you gain insights into the latest trends and innovations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience with hot melt adhesives through practical demonstrations or case studies. If you have worked on specific projects, be prepared to discuss these in detail during interviews, highlighting your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory standards relevant to the packaging industry, such as ISO 9001. Being knowledgeable about these standards will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance during discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for board-level presentations by practising how to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely. This skill is crucial for the role, so consider rehearsing with peers or mentors to refine your delivery and ensure you can engage effectively with stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Chemist - Hot Melt Adhesives
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your direct experience with hot melt adhesives and any relevant projects you've worked on. Emphasise your hands-on formulation experience and any successful product commercialisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for R&D in hot melt adhesives. Mention specific examples of your work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as leading formulation projects or collaborating with suppliers.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in scaling up from lab batches to production and your problem-solving abilities. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your written materials.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in a technical role like this one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Hot Melt Adhesives
Make sure to highlight your direct experience with hot melt adhesives during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to formulation, scaling up processes, and regulatory standards. Brush up on your knowledge of ISO 9001 and be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in past projects. This will show that you understand the importance of quality and safety in product development.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to provide examples of how you've tackled complex problems in your previous roles. Discuss your approach to evaluating novel raw materials or reformulating products for better performance. This will illustrate your critical thinking and innovation capabilities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves presenting technical progress at board level, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Use simple language to explain complex concepts, and be prepared to answer questions from non-technical stakeholders. Good communication is key to success in this position.
