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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D to drive innovation and develop new products in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a world-leading UK-based chemical manufacturer with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of advanced materials and product development.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in process design preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for travel and hands-on lab work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A UK-based specialist chemical manufacturer, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, that has grown into a world-leading supplier of tin oxide and related high-performance metal oxides used as functional pigments and nanomaterials across a wide range of industrial applications including ceramics, glass, electrical/electronic components, coatings, laser marking and infrared absorption technologies.
The Role
To lead and manage the Research & Development (R&D) department and the Pilot Plant, driving innovation and process development. Provide strategic and operational support to Production, Sales, and EHSQ departments to ensure alignment with business objectives, enhance product quality, and maintain compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop innovative new products aligned with strategic goals
- Explore new chemistries to support product innovation
- Define analytical and quality parameters for product validation
- Design and upscale manufacturing processes to pilot scale
- Establish analytical and quality procedures to ensure product functionality
- Provide technical service support to the Sales team and customers
- Develop new applications for existing and new products
- Assist Production in resolving manufacturing issues
- Manage the R&D laboratory and its personnel
- Specify and develop equipment and technical standards as required
- Oversee health & safety compliance and ensure laboratory meets all relevant regulations
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Preferred PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Mineralogy, or Polymer Science
- Working knowledge of a foreign language preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in process design and scale-up desirable
- Highly motivated, hands-on, with a proactive and creative mindset
- Willingness to perform practical laboratory work
- Experience with analytical techniques, especially spectroscopy
- Comfortable working in a small team under pressure and tight deadlines
- Willingness to travel occasionally
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove?
- Five Decades of Market Intelligence
- Unrivalled Industry Networks
- Recognised International brand
- HR Qualified Professionals
Head of R&D employer: Listgrove
Contact Detail:
Listgrove Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of R&D
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We recommend practising common interview questions and having your own questions ready to show your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio or case studies. If you’ve worked on innovative projects, share them! We love seeing real examples of your work that align with the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who fit our culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of R&D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of R&D role. Highlight your experience in research and development, especially in areas like inorganic chemistry or materials science. We want to see how your background aligns with our innovative goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading R&D and how you can drive innovation at our company. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've developed new products or improved processes in previous roles. We’re all about results, so let us know what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Listgrove
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of inorganic chemistry and materials science. Be ready to discuss specific projects or innovations you've worked on that relate to the role. This will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of R&D, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to drive innovation while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about process design, scale-up, and analytical techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of spectroscopy and other relevant methods. Being able to articulate your experience with these techniques will set you apart.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s strategic goals and think about how your vision for the R&D department aligns with them. Be prepared to discuss how you can enhance product quality and support production and sales through innovative solutions.
