Lead Applications Chemist

Reed

Reed Scientific are recruiting for an Lead Applications Chemist for our client based in West Yorkshire. They specialise in developing and manufacturing coatings that are compostable and form a barrier against grease and water.

The Lead Applications Chemist will be responsible for managing all the activities of the Applications department.

Salary: The salary is competitive and dependant on experience

Benefits: Pension, 22 days holiday plus bank holidays, 10% bonus non contractual – based on company performance

Responsibilities in the role

• Provide the sales team with technical support with customer projects.
• Use additives to evaluate core formulations on various substrates, for a range of applications and customise them to the end application
• Ensure the applications department has all additives necessary to work with, that comply with the requirements of the customer brief
• Maintains an accurate log of customer substrates and an inventory of all additives.
• Plan, attend, report and evaluate customer press trials
• Propose changes of formulation and developments to the Research and Development team
• Make sure the output from the R&D team and production scale ups meet the requirements of products
• Along with the regulatory team, ensure products and raw materials are complaint with all regulations relating to the application
• Keep the customer testing index updated and make the sales team aware of developments on a weekly basis
• Keeps up to speed with relevant scientific and technical developments in the packaging sector, relevant to renewable and biodegradable materials. This will include attending training seminars.
• Research information on additives, design own methods and becomes an expert in the field
• Manage, motivate and mentor the applications team, and ensure customer expectations and deadlines are met
• Ensure all regulatory paperwork is complete
• Ensure all packaging/labelling and paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner
• Manage the operational and commercial responsibilities and activities of the department
• Liaise with third party laboratories and suppliers
• Write detailed technical product appraisals and, in conjunction with R&D, devise technical strategies to bring new products to market promptly

Qualifications, skills and experience required

• A degree in Chemistry or Packaging Technology
• Previous experience of managing a team with the ability to delegate tasks
• Previous experience in a similar role with Project Management responsibilities is essential
• Leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor a team
• Knowledge of barrier coatings would be an advantage
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality standards
• Be self motivated with the ability to work to targets
• Be commercially aware
• Is an excellent problem solver with strong strategic analysis skills
• Possess excellent organisational skills
• Adaptable to change and business growth

This is a great opportunity to join a growing business who are developing products on the cutting edge of technology and helping to conserve the earths natural resources. If you have the experience and qualifications required and would like to be considered for this role, then please apply online now.