At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead polymer R&D, ensure quality compliance, and drive innovation in a hands-on role.
- Company: A leading polymer manufacturing business known for high-performance solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape technical strategy.
- Why this job: Take ownership of technical operations and make a real impact in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: PhD in Polymer Chemistry or related field, with significant experience in regulated environments.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Talent STEM are partnering with a specialist polymer manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated environment. This organisation has built a strong reputation for delivering high performance polymer solutions, underpinned by quality, innovation and deep technical expertise. Their products are supplied into demanding industrial and healthcare markets.
Due to continued growth and investment, they are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to take ownership of site-wide R&D, quality and compliance activities.
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for all technical operations on site. You will lead polymer research and development programmes, oversee quality systems and provide technical direction across manufacturing and regulatory activities. Working closely with senior management, you will play a key role in driving polymer innovation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting the transfer of new materials and formulations into production.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all polymer R&D activities, including formulation development, material selection and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical oversight of quality control and quality assurance systems within polymer manufacturing.
- Maintain and develop Quality Management Systems within a regulated framework.
- Act as technical lead for audits, regulatory inspections and external reporting.
- Oversee technical documentation including material specifications, safety data sheets and compliance records.
- Support scale-up of polymer formulations from laboratory through to full manufacturing, ensuring robust validation and risk assessment.
- Investigate customer complaints related to material performance and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with commercial teams on technical discussions with customers, providing polymer expertise and application support.
- Ensure high standards of chemical safety, environmental compliance and laboratory best practice.
- Develop, mentor and lead a small technical team.
About You
We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware leader with experience in polymer science who thrives in a hands-on environment. You will likely bring:
- A PhD or equivalent advanced qualification in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
- Significant experience within polymers, plastics, elastomers, coatings or advanced materials.
- Experience operating within a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of quality management systems and compliance frameworks.
- A solid understanding of chemical and polymer-specific health and safety requirements.
- Experience of taking polymer products from development through to commercial manufacture.
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with practical laboratory and plant involvement.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership style.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to take full technical ownership within a growing and ambitious polymer business. You will have the autonomy to shape technical strategy while remaining closely involved in innovation, material development and real-world application.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Talent STEM directly.
Technical Manager - Polymer Materials in Hertford employer: Talent STEM Ltd
Contact Detail:
Talent STEM Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager - Polymer Materials in Hertford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in polymer materials and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies related to polymer R&D. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are passionate about polymer innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager - Polymer Materials in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Technical Manager role. Highlight your expertise in polymer science and any relevant leadership experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about polymer materials and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you've had in regulated environments.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven innovation or improved quality systems in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent STEM Ltd
✨Know Your Polymers Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer chemistry and materials science. Be prepared to discuss specific polymers, their properties, and applications in detail. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've led teams or projects, particularly in R&D or quality assurance. Highlight how you’ve mentored others and driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the regulated environment, expect questions about quality management systems and compliance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions, especially during audits or inspections.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to customer complaints or material performance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your analytical thinking and ability to implement corrective actions effectively.