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- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative R&D projects in hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems.
- Company: Join Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals for construction and industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fair pay practices, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on safety, quality, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming the construction industry with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or Materials Science; experience in industrial R&D required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company Description
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility.
Job Description
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Leader to join our UK Research & Development team. This role plays a key part in leading and delivering complex, high-impact R&D projects across the business, spanning product development, product maintenance, and innovation activities, primarily in the area of hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems such as Sika® Ucrete®.
You will take ownership of projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring disciplined execution in line with our Product Creation Process (PCP), while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and technical integrity. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and structured project leader who enjoys working cross-functionally and driving robust outcomes in an industrial R&D environment.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and deliver cross-functional R&D projects from concept to implementation, owning scope, objectives, timelines, risks, and deliverables.
- Execute projects in line with structured product development processes (e.g. PCP / stage-gate).
- Coordinate and align inputs from R&D, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
- Act as the technical project lead within assigned technology areas, defining experimental strategy and reviewing data quality and conclusions.
- Provide day-to-day coordination, technical guidance, and mentorship within project teams (without direct line management responsibility).
- Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all project activities.
- Support product maintenance, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigations linked to projects.
- Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, including feasibility studies and proof-of-concept work.
- Interface with external partners such as universities, suppliers, and global R&D colleagues when required.
What success looks like
- Projects delivered on time, to agreed scope, cost, and quality.
- High levels of compliance in PCP audits and project documentation.
- Effective resolution of complex technical challenges.
- Strong safety performance with minimal audit findings.
- Positive feedback from project stakeholders and team members.
- Tangible contributions to innovation pipelines, new products, or intellectual property.
About you
You are a structured and delivery-focused professional with a strong technical background and proven experience leading complex R&D projects in an industrial setting.
Qualifications
Essential qualifications and experience:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Strong experience in industrial R&D, primarily in the area of hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems. Experience in formulating other thermoset resin coating and flooring systems is also relevant.
- Proven track record of leading complex technical or development projects.
- Sound knowledge of structured product development processes (e.g. PCP, stage-gate).
Key competencies:
- Disciplined, well-organised, and delivery-oriented mindset.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
- High standards of integrity, safety, and quality.
- Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
Additional Information
Eligibility
This role is open to candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
R&D Senior Project Leader in Redditch employer: Sika
Contact Detail:
Sika Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Senior Project Leader in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sika and its projects. Understand their products, especially in hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the company and its mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help us see how your past experiences align with the role of Senior Project Leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Senior Project Leader in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Senior Project Leader role. Highlight your experience in leading complex projects and your technical background in hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your previous experiences make you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of structured product development processes like PCP.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past projects, focus on your achievements and the impact you made. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver projects on time and within scope. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sika
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hybrid polyurethane cement flooring systems and the specific technologies Sika uses. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that align with the role's requirements.
✨Master the PCP Process
Familiarise yourself with the Product Creation Process (PCP) and stage-gate methodologies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated similar processes in your previous roles, showcasing your ability to deliver projects on time and within scope.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Highlight instances where you've coordinated inputs from various departments like R&D, Operations, and Marketing, and how you ensured everyone was aligned towards common goals.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality
Sika places a high value on safety and quality. Come equipped with examples of how you've maintained these standards in your past projects. Discuss any audits or compliance checks you've been involved in and how you addressed any findings.