Technical Director

Handley James Chemical are excited to be engaged as the search partner for a privately owned chemical manufacturer and distributor based in the North West. We focus on providing solutions to customers, adding real value and inspiring innovation across the group.

As part of a succession plan, we are recruiting an experienced Technical Director to support the Managing Director in growing and leading the business. This varied role has a strong technical bias, but also a commercial focus and a people‑centric approach.

You will lead the Quality and Technical teams on site, support the sales teams as required from a technical perspective, and be the \’go‑to\’ person on site for any technical matters and projects.

Role Duties

• PP Customer Development; manage the sales conversion process from enquiry to full-scale operation.
• Liaise with the Operations Manager on laboratory samples, pilot‑plant trials and scale‑up processes.
• Technical Oversight; overall control of technical matters across divisions, including raw material specification review, product sales specifications, advising on new products, customer queries, and generation of MS and PS documents in Zoho format.
• Technical Development; control new product and process development via Zoho Projects and review progress with sales, operations and technical departments, optimising existing processes.
• Business Development; market the products and services through phone, internet, visits and networking.
• Professional Development; maintain knowledge through workshops, publications, networks and professional societies.
• Staff Development; delegate tasks to the Management Team, train others for deputisation.
• Assist the Managing Director with special products, providing technical and manufacturing support and attending meetings.

Required Experience

• Degree in Chemistry or equivalent scientific technical education.
• Significant senior‑level experience within a technical function.
• Background in process manufacturing (Chemicals, FMCG, Pharma, etc.).
• Proven relationship‑building ability and people‑centric leadership.
• Strong blend of technical and commercial acumen.
• Problem‑solving mindset with a can‑do attitude and investigative approach.

In return, the client offers a competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits package.

Please kindly note, whilst we endeavour to respond to all candidate applications, due to the very high response rate across our advertising campaigns we may only reply to candidates who match the position. Thank you.