At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic Chemistry team while driving business growth.
- Company: Join a well-established organisation in Kettering with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-28 days of annual leave, life assurance, and a pension plan.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior leadership role within the Chemistry sector.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a strong commercial mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
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!
Head of Chemistry in Slough employer: Interaction - Kettering
Interaction Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Milton Keynes. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide uncapped commission and performance incentives that reward hard work and dedication. Our supportive culture encourages autonomy and fosters long-term relationships, making it a fulfilling place for recruitment professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Chemistry in Slough
✨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 Interaction - Kettering 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.
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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 Interaction - Kettering for the latest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Chemistry in Slough
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 Interaction - Kettering!
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 Interaction - Kettering know! This shows you're ready to adapt and step in as needed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Interaction - Kettering
✨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 Interaction - Kettering. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, lab experiences, and any short-term projects. This helps the interviewers see your potential contribution right from the start.
