Senior Polymer Chemist in Northampton

As our new Senior Polymer Chemist, you will manage and deliver a mix of short- and long-term development projects within our Functional Polymer and Personal Care Technologies Development team, contributing to the creation of new and improved products. You’ll also provide hands-on technical support to operational optimisation initiatives and work closely with the wider business and our customers, sharing your expertise to help solve challenges and drive performance across your specialist areas.

Some of your key responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver short- and long-term product development projects within the Functional Polymer and Personal Care development team.
• Drive product improvement initiatives, including new product development, raw material substitution and plant-to-plant transfers, from formulation through to scale-up.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time and meet agreed objectives, targets, quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing sites, resolving production and quality issues and supporting the introduction of new products.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, commercial teams and external stakeholders, maintaining awareness of IP and legislative considerations and representing the business with customers, suppliers and industry bodies.

What do I need to be successful in this role?

• Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related field, with proven polymer R&D experience from lab to production scale.
• Strong data analysis skills, including confident use of Excel and analytical tools.
• Experience managing multiple projects, prioritising effectively and meeting tight deadlines.
• Clear communicator and collaborative team player, able to work across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Methodical, quality-focused self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What’s in it for me?

• A competitive salary alongside inclusion into our company bonus scheme.
• Enhanced employer pension contribution whereby Scott Bader will contribute a maximum of 2x your contribution, up to a maximum of 10%.
• Private medical insurance alongside a host of further discounts and employee benefit schemes.
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays – We also offer the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 day’s annual leave.
• We offer all our employees one full day per year to complete volunteering work of your choice which is fully paid.
• If you are thinking about fundraising for your favourite charity or local community event, we will happily match the funds that you have raised up to a maximum of £1000 in any one year.

Who are Scott Bader?

Scott Bader is an employee-owned global manufacturer of advanced composites, structural adhesives and functional polymers. Established in 1921, we have a century of expertise in manufacturing high-quality, innovative products for a variety of markets around the world. Scott Bader now employs 800 people across 7 manufacturing sites and 18 offices worldwide.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our aim is to create an environment that is welcoming to all people, and ensures we treat each other and customers with respect. We appreciate different and fresh ways of thinking, encouraging innovation where colleagues feel they can express their views freely, and create a working atmosphere in which everyone is able to deliver a high-quality service.