At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Chemistry department, driving growth and innovation in technical operations.
- Company: Join a leading technical testing and consultancy organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, life assurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing a talented team and enhancing business opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in chemistry or laboratory settings with strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
A leading technical testing and consultancy organisation is looking for an experienced Head of Chemistry to join its team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a senior leadership role overseeing a well-established Chemistry department of around 20 technical and laboratory-based staff. The successful candidate will combine strong people leadership with a commercial mindset, helping to develop the department, improve its structure and processes, and identify opportunities for business growth.
The Role
- Leading, motivating and developing a team of approximately 20 technical and laboratory staff
- Reviewing and developing the departmental structure to support future growth
- Identifying and developing new business opportunities to maintain and increase market share
- Contributing to sales, marketing and business development strategies
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, members and industry contacts
- Representing the organisation at external meetings, industry events and with senior stakeholders
- Ensuring the department maintains an appropriate UKAS accreditation scope
- Supporting extensions to the department's technical scope where required
- Maintaining high standards across quality management systems and documentation
- Ensuring health & safety requirements are met
- Developing a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency
- Providing technical support and guidance to customers and members
- Working closely with international teams and supporting overseas operations
About You
We're looking for an experienced chemistry or laboratory professional who combines technical credibility with strong leadership and commercial awareness. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience leading and motivating a technical, laboratory or scientific team
- Experience of business development and growing commercial opportunities
- Experience working within budgetary requirements
- A strong understanding of the industries and markets served by testing, technical or scientific organisations
- The confidence to communicate with senior stakeholders both in the UK and internationally
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- A strategic and commercially minded approach
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- The ability to delegate effectively and develop people
- A proactive, approachable and diplomatic management style
- The ability and willingness to travel when required
- A formal leadership qualification would be advantageous, as would previous international travel or experience.
What's on Offer?
- 12-month fixed-term contract
- 37.5 hours per week
- Salary dependent on experience
- 25-28 days' annual leave, depending on service
- Life assurance
- Group personal pension scheme
- Income protection
- Free on-site parking
Candidates are asked to include their salary expectations when applying. If you're an experienced Chemistry, Laboratory or Technical leader looking for a senior fixed-term opportunity combining people leadership, technical responsibility and commercial development, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Head of Chemistry - 12 Month FTC in London employer: Commercial
Join a well-established global manufacturer in Northamptonshire, where you will not only take charge of purchasing but also lead sustainability initiatives. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Chemistry - 12 Month FTC in London
✨Know Your Seasonal Hiring Patterns
Chemistry gigs often pop up during specific times of the year, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals or agriculture. Keep an eye out for temporary roles around graduation seasons or before big project launches; they’re usually when companies like Commercial ramp up their hiring!
✨Get Involved with Local Networking Groups
Join local chemistry groups or attend community events related to your field. Not only do these gatherings help us meet like-minded folk, but they can also lead to temporary job openings that might not be advertised online. Plus, you can impress potential employers in person!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Practical Projects
Have some side projects or experiments? Showcase them! Whether it’s on social media or in a portfolio, having a visual representation of your skills can set you apart. Plus, it gives us something to chat about with recruiters or during interviews, making us memorable.
✨Apply Through Us for Better Chances
When hunting for temp roles, make sure to apply through our website. We often have exclusive listings, and you’ll be in the right place to find opportunities tailored for chemistry enthusiasts like us. Keep that eye on Commercial for the latest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Chemistry - 12 Month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a temporary role in chemistry, it’s crucial to showcase your lab skills. Include specific techniques or instruments you're proficient with in your CV, as well as any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your practical experience. This will help you stand out as a candidate ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the specific temporary project you'll be working on. Show enthusiasm for the tasks and explain how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see your motivation and how you can make an impact quickly at Commercial!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to chemical safety or laboratory techniques, don’t forget to list them in your application. Temporary roles often require quick compliance with health and safety regulations, so this can really set you apart from other candidates!
Flexible Availability Is Key:Since this is a temporary position, clearly state your availability in your application. If you can start immediately or have flexible hours, let Commercial know! This shows you're ready to adapt and step in as needed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial
✨Get Your Lab Skills Sharp
As you're applying for a temporary role in chemistry, make sure you're up-to-date on your practical lab skills. Expect to discuss specific techniques you've mastered, like titration or chromatography. If you can, try to reference a recent project or experiment that shows off your hands-on experience.
✨Brush Up on Safety Protocols
Safety is a massive deal in the chemistry field. Be prepared to answer questions about safety protocols, handling chemicals, and lab safety standards. You might even get hypothetical scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of proper lab practices.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary position, companies often look for candidates who can adapt quickly. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve stepped into a role or task rapidly, or where you’ve had to learn on the job. This shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tailor Your CV for the Role
Ensure your CV is tailored to the specific temporary role in chemistry you’re applying for at Commercial. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, lab experiences, and any short-term projects. This helps the interviewers see your potential contribution right from the start.
