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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative polymer materials and drive projects from concept to commercialisation.
- Company: Award-winning company focused on sustainable advanced polymer additives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for international travel, and a chance to shape the future of materials science.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly scaling company and make a real impact in sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD in Materials Science or related field with 5+ years in polymer development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with leadership opportunities and a focus on mentoring junior team members.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is a Davidson Prize-winning advanced polymer additives and compound company making patented nano-material based additives for use in optics, agricultural and packaging polymers markets with a key focus on sustainability and innovation. The technology is built on years of research and validated across multiple sectors for its measurable energy and environmental impact. The company is well funded having completed a Series A and is scaling rapidly, with existing products sold in fifteen countries on five continents.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the CTO, the Head of Technology will lead the development, processing, and testing of new innovations for the new polymer compounding and masterbatch lab being established in London. This senior role requires someone who is experienced with polymer compounding development, not only initiating design of development campaigns, but also linking commercial and production aspects as well. The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive the evolution of developed materials from concepts to commercial polymer products. The Head of Technology will be responsible for research, development, optimization, technical leadership, and comprehensive understanding of complex polymer additive and compound systems, their industrial processing requirements, and their interactions with light and environmental factors.
Education and Experience
- PhD (or advanced qualification) in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or related field, with minimum 5 years of relevant experience
- Proven track record in product development and commercialization in polymer/materials industries
- Demonstrated experience in scaling products from laboratory to commercial production
- Experience leading technical teams and managing complex R&D projects
- Expert knowledge of characterization techniques including UV-Vis and FTIR Spectroscopy, Mechanical Testing, DSC, TGA, and other analytical methods
- Deep understanding of polymer processing, additives, optical materials science, and polymer chemistry
- Extensive experience with industrial-scale manufacturing and processing considerations
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards for commercial materials
- Understanding of supply chain management and commercial manufacturing process
Leadership & Business Skills
- Proven leadership experience with ability to mentor and develop junior team members
- Strong project management skills with experience managing budgets and timelines
- Strategic thinking capability with experience in business development and commercialization
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills for technical and executive audiences
- Entrepreneurial mindset with outstanding organizational and analytical abilities
- Experience in IP development and technology transfer activities
- Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to travel internationally for business development and partnership activities
- Experience working in international markets and cross-cultural business environments
Head of Development employer: Chemical Search International
Contact Detail:
Chemical Search International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their innovations in polymer additives. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Development. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Development role. Highlight your experience in polymer compounding and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on innovation and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about polymer materials and how your skills can drive our mission forward. We love seeing enthusiasm for both the role and our company values.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Mention specific projects where you’ve used characterization techniques or led R&D initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between technical development and commercialisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chemical Search International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer compounding and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with analytical methods like UV-Vis and FTIR Spectroscopy, as well as your understanding of polymer chemistry. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading technical teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored junior team members. Highlight any experiences where you’ve had to balance technical expertise with strategic leadership, as this is crucial for the Head of Development position.
✨Connect the Dots
Demonstrate your ability to link commercial and production aspects of product development. Prepare to discuss how you’ve scaled products from lab to commercial production, and how you’ve navigated regulatory requirements and quality standards. This will illustrate your comprehensive understanding of the entire process.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
Given the company’s focus on sustainability and innovation, think about how you can contribute to these areas. Prepare to talk about any innovative projects you’ve led or been a part of, especially those that had a measurable impact on energy and environmental factors. This will align your vision with the company's goals.
