Senior Leather Technologist

Great businesses don’t just create products - they develop the expertise, innovation, and processes that make exceptional quality possible. By combining technical excellence with a deep understanding of manufacturing and customer expectations, they create solutions that perform consistently, sustainably, and competitively in demanding markets.

As a Senior Leather Technician/Technologist – Wet Processes, you’ll play a pivotal role within our technical team, bringing specialist expertise, problem‑solving capability, and a passion for innovation to the development of new products, processes, and chemistry solutions. Your work will directly influence product quality, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and the long‑term success of our manufacturing and sustainability ambitions.

In this role you will:

• Lead technical innovation by developing new leather products, wet‑end processes, and chemistry solutions that meet strategic business and customer objectives.
• Ensure products are production‑ready by validating specifications, consistency, and scalability before transfer into full manufacturing operations.
• Deliver projects successfully by managing timelines, technical requirements, and quality expectations across multiple initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance production capability, efficiency, value, and performance through clearly defined technical projects.
• Collaborate across functions by working closely with Innovation, Operations, Commercial, Sales, and Account Management teams to achieve shared goals.
• Drive successful product launches by supporting knowledge transfer and process handovers into operational environments.
• Provide specialist leather and technical expertise to support business needs, customer requirements, and commercial opportunities.
• Anticipate and resolve technical challenges that could impact safety, quality, performance, profitability, or customer satisfaction.
• Build strong external and internal partnerships with suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Contribute to long‑term strategic growth by supporting the wider product development roadmap and future innovation plans.
• Participate in operational excellence and problem‑solving activities to strengthen manufacturing capability and technical performance.
• Manage and develop processing routes and supporting software systems to ensure consistency, traceability, and efficiency.
• Support and mentor less experienced team members, helping to build a collaborative, high‑performing, people‑focused technical culture.
• Travel when required across UK and international manufacturing, supplier, and customer sites to support technical and commercial objectives.

You’re someone who sees beyond product development - you understand how technical expertise, innovation, and collaboration drive manufacturing excellence, customer confidence, and commercial success.

Qualifications and experience

• You will hold an appropriate leather qualification, ideally at degree level or above.
• You bring extensive experience within product development or technical disciplines, ideally within the automotive and aviation sectors.
• You demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, particularly within wet‑end processes, equipment, and manufacturing requirements.
• You have proven experience leading technical projects and delivering results within agreed timescales and quality standards.
• You possess the ability to formulate and optimise wet‑end recipes to achieve performance, quality, and customer requirements.
• You are a confident communicator, able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• You build strong working relationships with suppliers, customers, and cross‑functional teams.
• You have a strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards within manufacturing environments.
• You bring strong programme and project management capabilities, balancing multiple priorities effectively.
• You demonstrate a proactive mindset, combining analytical thinking, technical curiosity, and a drive for continuous improvement.
• You lead by example, promoting company values while supporting and developing others around you.

The impact you will have

You will play a critical role in shaping the future of our product development and technical capability. Through your expertise in wet processes and leather technology, you will help deliver innovative, high‑quality products that strengthen our position within demanding global markets. Your work will directly support manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction by ensuring products and processes are robust, scalable, and commercially successful. By collaborating closely with technical, operational, and commercial teams, you will help bridge innovation with practical manufacturing excellence. You will also contribute to building a strong culture of continuous improvement, technical leadership, and knowledge sharing – helping both people and processes develop to meet future opportunities and challenges.

What’s in it for you

You’ll benefit from a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and career development. This includes a company pension, life assurance, company sick pay, enhanced annual leave that increases with service, and access to a health and wellbeing programme alongside an Employee Assistance Programme with private GP services. You’ll also have opportunities to grow through coaching, training, and development support, plus practical perks such as cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes, free on‑site parking, and access to a range of retail discounts.

We believe our strength comes from our people. We value diversity, encourage development, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Ready to be part of the story? If you’re passionate about technical innovation, thrive in a collaborative manufacturing environment, and want to play a key role in developing industry‑leading leather products and processes, we’d love to hear from you.