Application Development and Technical Service Manager – PU Adhesives

A global specialty chemicals and high-performance materials manufacturer committed to improving the world through innovation. The business develops solutions that address emerging challenges across diverse industries including adhesives, coatings, elastomers, bioplastics, automotive, technical textiles, plastics processing and energy. With a long track record of profitability, the company has recently undergone significant investment, repositioning and strategic refinement to ensure long-term, sustainable growth in evolving and highly competitive global markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Innovation Director, the Application Development & Technical Service (AD/TS) Manager’s main function is to drive growth in the Adhesives and Sealants business segment by leading the technical activities associated with that segment, in close collaboration with the Market Segment Manager and Sales team.

Technical & Innovation Leadership

• Define and lead short- and long-term innovation programmes for polyurethane adhesives, including hotmelt and reactive hotmelt systems.
• Oversee the synthesis, formulation, development and technical validation of new PU materials, including Capa polyol-based systems.
• Establish and optimise processing and testing methodologies for adhesive and sealant applications.
• Monitor market and technology trends within polyurethane adhesives and translate insights into commercially viable opportunities.
• Identify, evaluate and implement new materials, processes and analytical techniques to enhance product performance and competitive positioning.
• Provide technical support by leading Innovation projects, directly managing customer tasks and projects and providing general support to our efforts in the Adhesive and Sealants market.
• Responsible for following the technical trends for their specified market segment and working closely with the Market Segment Manager, initiating and delivering the opportunities.

Laboratory & Team Leadership

• Take full operational and strategic ownership of the Adhesives & Sealants applications laboratory.
• Lead, mentor and develop laboratory personnel (chemist/technician), fostering a high-performance and collaborative team culture.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to ensure effective technical execution aligned with commercial objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory capability, testing standards and technical excellence.
• Act as technical market specialist for the PU Adhesives segment, supporting Sales and Market Segment teams with high-level technical expertise.
• Provide technical leadership at customer meetings, product qualifications and application development projects.
• Represent the business externally through presentations, webinars, conferences and technical publications where appropriate.
• Translate customer needs and market dynamics into structured development projects and actionable innovation pipelines.

Project & Compliance Governance

• Own technical project delivery from concept through commercialisation, ensuring quality, timelines and effective resource allocation.
• Ensure full compliance with site EHSQ standards, including REACH, COSHH and isocyanate safe-handling protocols.
• Maintain robust laboratory governance, equipment maintenance and documentation in line with Innovation department and site standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• BSC, MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• 7 - 10 years industrial laboratory experience with a track record of increasing responsibility with people management.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulating, testing and manufacture of polyurethane adhesives.
• Experience in the development of hotmelt and reactive hotmelt formulations would be an advantage.
• A strong working knowledge of analytical chemistry, polymer physical testing and thermal analysis methods.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory safety principles especially in conducting risk analyses and assessing hazardous chemicals (REACH, COSHH).
• Evidence of training and good project management skills.

For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.