At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic chemistry team, driving innovation and commercial growth in a multidisciplinary lab.
- Company: Join a leading UK testing and research organisation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for international projects and exposure to industry-leading work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of chemistry while developing talent and influencing strategy.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical teams and a strong background in chemistry.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Are you an experienced chemistry leader with a passion for people development, technical excellence and commercial growth? We're supporting a leading UK testing, certification and research organisation in the recruitment of a Head of Chemistry to lead a well-established and highly regarded chemistry function on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a multidisciplinary laboratory operation, leading a team of around 20 scientific professionals while helping shape the future direction of the department.
The Opportunity
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the chemistry division, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality testing services while driving commercial growth, innovation and continuous improvement. The laboratory is equipped with a range of analytical instrumentation including GC-MS, HPLC and LC-MS and supports clients across consumer product sectors through testing, compliance and certification services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, motivating and developing a team of managers, scientists and technicians
- Driving departmental growth through business development and market engagement
- Supporting sales and marketing initiatives to increase market share
- Maintaining technical excellence and regulatory compliance
- Managing UKAS-accredited activities and scope development
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with industry stakeholders, customers and regulatory bodies
- Championing continuous improvement, quality and health & safety standards
- Contributing technical expertise through webinars, publications and industry engagement
About You
We're keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing technical teams
- A strong chemistry, laboratory or scientific testing background
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting business growth
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- The ability to translate technical expertise into strategic business outcomes
- Experience managing quality systems within a regulated environment
- Strong organisational and leadership capabilities
Desirable
- Degree qualified in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
- Leadership or management qualification
- Experience working within accredited laboratory environments
- International stakeholder engagement experience
What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Free onsite parking
- Opportunity to lead an established and respected scientific team
- Exposure to international projects and industry-leading technical work
If you're an ambitious chemistry leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, develop people and drive commercial success, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch.
Head Of Chemistry in Kettering employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Chemistry in Kettering
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like All The Top Bananas. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like All The Top Bananas to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to All The Top Bananas, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like All The Top Bananas and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Chemistry in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at All The Top Bananas. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to All The Top Bananas and the Head Of Chemistry role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
