At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative coatings and mentor a team of paint makers.
- Company: Ambitious coatings manufacturer with a vision for innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, pension scheme, and funded professional development.
- Other info: Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the coatings industry while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: HNC in Chemistry or related field, with 8 years of formulation experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Client is an ambitious manufacturer aiming to be the most innovative coatings company in the world, with a portfolio of decorative, industrial, marine, wood care, wax finishing and sports surfaces, exploring 2-part system coatings as a future direction. Due to company progression, our Client is seeking a Chemist to lead the development of innovative new coatings as own brands and for private label clients.
The Chemist will set the formulation direction of the business, maintain and evolve the product library, and drive research and development across a wide range of coatings categories. Alongside your formulation work, the Chemist will support hands-on production when required and play an active role in mentoring the paint makers - sharing expertise and raising technical standards across the factory floor.
Responsibilities:
- Create and develop new formulations and private label clients, from initial concept through to production-ready specification
- Manage and maintain the formulation library, ensuring all products are fully documented, version-controlled, and reproducible
- Lead R&D projects across decorative, industrial, wood care, marine, sports surface, and wax coatings categories
- Explore the potential development of 2-part system coatings as a future category
- Evaluate and select raw materials, including understanding preferred grades, specifications, and viable substitutions
- Oversee standard testing of finished products and selected raw materials to ensure all formulations perform within prescribed tolerances
- Ensure all products comply with Trading Standards, Health and Safety, and labelling regulations
- Maintain and update health and safety data sheets for all raw materials and manufactured products in line with current CLP regulations
- Liaise with regulatory bodies, Trading Standards, the HSE, and environmental organisations to ensure legal and ethical compliance
- Work hands-on in production when required, supporting the manufacturing team and ensuring formulations translate reliably into batch output
- Mentor and develop the paint makers - sharing technical knowledge, supporting problem-solving on the floor, and building capability across the team
- Control Bills of Materials and Works Orders, maintaining accuracy across formulation records
- Provide technical input on product costing to support sales and marketing decisions
- Support the purchasing team on raw material decisions - providing technical input on specifications, grades, and supplier selection
Candidate Profile:
- HNC in Paint Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline preferred
- Qualified By Experience 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
Chief Chemist in Southend-on-Sea employer: Whitehall Recruitment Ltd
As a leading manufacturer in the coatings industry, our client offers an exceptional work environment in Essex, complete with relocation assistance and a competitive salary of up to £45,000 per annum. Employees benefit from a strong company culture that prioritises innovation, professional development through funded education, and hands-on mentorship opportunities, making it an ideal place for chemists looking to advance their careers while contributing to cutting-edge product development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Chemist in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Chief Chemist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past formulations and R&D projects. This will help us see your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to coatings and formulation. We want you to feel confident discussing your knowledge of polymer chemistry and safety regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Chemist in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Chemist role. Highlight your relevant experience in formulating coatings and any hands-on production work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our vision of innovation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for coatings and how you can contribute to our ambitious goals. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with a strong grounding in polymer chemistry and formulation experience. Be sure to highlight these skills in your application, along with any knowledge of CLP regulations and safety standards.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitehall Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Formulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water-based and solvent-based coating systems. Be ready to discuss specific formulations you've worked on, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with CLP regulations, VOC compliance, and safety data sheet requirements. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance, which is crucial in the coatings industry.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring paint makers is part of the role, think of examples where you've shared your expertise or helped others improve their skills. Highlighting your ability to build capability within a team will set you apart as a leader.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Questions
Expect questions about your hands-on experience in both lab and production settings. Be ready to discuss how you've translated formulations into reliable batch outputs and any specific projects where you supported manufacturing teams.
