Head of Chemistry

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Salary: DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract – Maternity Cover

Reference: 41/26

Interaction Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Chemistry to lead a well-established Chemistry Department in Kettering. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual who can combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness, team leadership and business development experience.

The Role

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a Chemistry Department of approximately 20 multiskilled technicians, technologists and support staff.
• Work closely with the Laboratory Manager and Team Leader, providing direction, support and inspiration to the wider team.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Chemistry team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Drive business generation to maintain and increase departmental market share.
• Develop and deliver coordinated sales, marketing and business development plans.
• Work with external marketing partners to support departmental growth.
• Ensure the department continues to provide high-quality technical information, support and guidance to clients.
• Develop and maintain a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Represent the organisation with external contacts, including industry leaders, members, non-members, government bodies and NGOs.
• Maintain an appropriate UKAS scope and identify opportunities for extension where required.
• Ensure departmental Quality Management Systems and documentation remain current and compliant.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety across the department.
• Support international operations where required, including collaboration with overseas teams.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the future development of the department.

About You

• Proven experience of leading, inspiring and motivating a technical team.
• Demonstrable success in business development and commercial growth.
• Experience of working within budgetary requirements.
• Strong understanding of, and empathy with, the industries and sectors served by the organisation.
• The ability to build relationships and network confidently with senior industry figures internationally.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport at all levels.
• An approachable, diplomatic, compassionate and inspirational leadership style.
• Strong delegation and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• The ability to strategically plan and drive departmental development.
• A willingness and ability to travel when required.

Desirable:

• A recognised leadership qualification.
• Previous international travel experience.

Benefits

The role includes an attractive benefits package, including: 25–28 days' annual leave, dependent on length of service, life assurance, group personal pension plan, income protection, free on-site parking.

Application Process

Applicants are asked to include salary expectations when applying.

Closing date: 4th September 2026

First-stage interviews: 14th September 2026 – via Microsoft Teams

Second-stage interviews: 18th September 2026 – in person

If you are an experienced Chemistry leader with a strong commercial mindset and are looking for a senior fixed-term opportunity where you can make a real impact, Interaction Recruitment would be keen to hear from you. Apply today!