At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of 20 in a dynamic Chemistry department.
- Company: Join a leading technical testing and consultancy organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and life assurance.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in chemistry or laboratory settings with business development experience.
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
As Head of Chemistry, you will take overall responsibility for the Chemistry department, providing leadership across laboratory management, technical operations and business development. Key responsibilities will include:
- 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
Head of Chemistry - 12 Month FTC in Kettering) employer: Impact Recruitment Services
Impact Recruitment Services is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive pay rates, fully paid training, and additional benefits like a pension scheme and extra holiday for your birthday, this role in Corby provides a stable and rewarding opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a clean and modern environment.
Contact Details:
Impact Recruitment Services Recruitment Team
