Head of Chemistry

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Salary: DOE

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract – Maternity Cover

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

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a Chemistry Department of approximately 20 multiskilled technicians, technologists and support staff. You will work closely with the Laboratory Manager and Team Leader, providing direction, support and inspiration to the wider team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• 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

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• 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!