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- Tasks: Lead R&D to drive innovation and develop new products in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A leading UK chemical manufacturer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of materials science and product development.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy a collaborative workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
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
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.
Head of R&D in West Bromwich employer: Listgrove
Contact Detail:
Listgrove Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of R&D in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨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 passion for R&D! During interviews, share specific examples of your innovative projects or ideas. We want to see your creative side and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of R&D in West Bromwich
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 process design, product innovation, and any relevant qualifications like a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 your skills can drive innovation at our company. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear language and structure your documents well. We appreciate clarity and professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that apply button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 align with the company's focus on high-performance metal oxides and functional pigments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of R&D, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams in the past, particularly in driving innovation and resolving manufacturing issues.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's strategic goals and be prepared to discuss how your vision for the R&D department can support these objectives. Think about how you can enhance product quality and compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your hands-on experience in the lab. Be prepared to talk about your familiarity with analytical techniques, especially spectroscopy, and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
