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- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative coating formulations and oversee product testing.
- Company: Well-established manufacturer in the coatings sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Long-term career progression in a stable and growing organisation.
- Why this job: Shape product innovation and technical strategy in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: HNC in Paint Technology or Chemistry, with 8 years of formulation experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Head Paint Scientist role based in the South East. Our client is a well-established and highly regarded manufacturer within the coatings sector, known for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions across a diverse range of applications. The business is recognised for its technical expertise and ability to develop high-performance, problem-solving formulations across decorative, industrial, marine, and protective applications.
With continued investment in research, development, and production capabilities, the organisation is focused on driving innovation and expanding its product portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of formulation strategy and play a central role in shaping future product development.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and hands-on Paint Scientist to lead technical activities across R&D and production, supporting both innovation and operational excellence within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the development of new coating formulations for both internal brands and private label customers, taking products from concept through to production-ready specification.
- Set and drive the overall formulation strategy of the business, ensuring continuous innovation across multiple coatings categories.
- Manage and maintain the formulation library, ensuring all products are accurately documented, controlled, and reproducible.
- Evaluate, select, and optimise raw materials, including identifying suitable alternatives and ensuring performance and cost efficiency.
- Oversee product testing and quality standards, ensuring all formulations perform within defined tolerances.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, health and safety, and labelling requirements, maintaining up-to-date safety documentation.
- Act as a key technical contact with external regulatory bodies and industry organisations to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Work closely with the manufacturing team, providing hands-on support to ensure formulations translate effectively into production.
- Mentor and develop technical and production staff, raising capability and supporting problem-solving on the factory floor.
- Maintain and control Bills of Materials and formulation data, ensuring accuracy across systems and processes.
- Provide technical input into costing, supporting commercial decision-making across sales and product strategy.
- Collaborate with purchasing on raw material selection, supplier evaluation, and specification management.
- Support internal teams, including sales, with technical expertise and customer-facing queries.
- Contribute to decisions around equipment, manufacturing processes, and future technical investment within the business.
- HNC in Paint Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline preferred.
- QBE candidates with a minimum of 8 years' relevant formulation experience will be considered.
- Demonstrable experience formulating water-based and/or solvent-based coating systems.
- Strong grounding in polymer chemistry, rheology, and raw material behaviour.
- Working knowledge of CLP regulations, VOC compliance, and safety data sheet requirements.
- Hands-on approach - comfortable working in a production environment as well as a lab setting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a commercial awareness of how formulation decisions affect product performance and margin.
- An eye for accurate colour matching along with ensuring consistency.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented culture.
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping product innovation and technical strategy.
- Ongoing investment in professional development and training.
- Long-term career progression within a stable and growing organisation.
Chemist in Bexley employer: Merritt Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Merritt Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemist in Bexley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know in the coatings sector, the better your chances of landing that Chemist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and formulations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like our client in the coatings sector. Express your interest and ask about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your expertise. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our innovative team in the coatings industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Chemist in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chemist role. Highlight your experience in formulating coatings and any relevant technical expertise. We want to see how your background aligns with our innovative approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past work in R&D and how you've driven innovation in coating formulations. Let your passion shine through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience in both lab and production environments. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between formulation and manufacturing, so highlight those skills clearly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merritt Recruitment
✨Know Your Formulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coating formulations, especially water-based and solvent-based systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you developed or optimised formulations, as this will show your hands-on expertise.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with CLP regulations, VOC compliance, and safety data sheet requirements. Being able to speak confidently about how these regulations impact formulation decisions will demonstrate your technical knowledge and awareness of industry standards.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've tackled challenges in formulation or production. Highlight your analytical skills and how your decisions have positively affected product performance and margins, as this aligns with the company's focus on innovation and operational excellence.
✨Engage with the Team Culture
Since the role emphasises collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within teams in the past. Share examples of mentoring or supporting colleagues, as this will resonate well with their team-oriented culture and commitment to professional development.