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- 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 and compounds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly scaling company and shape the future of sustainable materials.
- Qualifications: PhD in Materials Science or related field with 5+ years in product development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with leadership opportunities and a focus on innovation.
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.
- 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.
Head of Development in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products thoroughly. Understand their innovations and sustainability focus. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready to show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your experience in polymer compounding and product development. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development in London
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 relevant projects you've led. 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 expertise can drive our mission forward. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and project management skills!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone with deep technical knowledge, so be sure to highlight your experience with characterization techniques and industrial-scale manufacturing. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of complex polymer systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
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 used in the industry. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with product development and how you've successfully scaled products from lab to commercial production.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading technical teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored junior team members and managed complex R&D projects. Highlight your project management skills and any experience you have with budgets and timelines.
✨Understand the Business Side
This position requires a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking. Familiarise yourself with the company's business model, their focus on sustainability, and how your role can contribute to their growth. Be ready to discuss how you can link commercial and production aspects effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key, especially when presenting to technical and executive audiences. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms and prepare to discuss your understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards in the materials industry.
