R & D Manager - Speciality Ingredients for Home & Personal Care

Location European Union
Discipline: Chemicals, Polymers, Personal Care & Cosmetics
Job type: Technical Manager
Salary: £from €90k with benefits
Contact name: Laura Merritt

Contact email: laura@merrittrecruitment.com
Job ref: 263
Published: 12 months ago

​Our client is a world leading innovator and manufacturer of speciality chemicals with an exciting opportunity for an experienced R & D Manager. The home, personal care and cosmetics division is renowned for innovating speciality ingredients for formulators around the world. The R & D Manager will be based at the European Research Centre and will manage the laboratory and lead a team of dynamic professionals. The R & D team are dedicated to research, application development and technical service for Home & Personal Care products. This is a key role in driving innovation and leading the development of new chemical products and technologies.

Key responsibilities:

  • Attracting, developing, and empowering a diverse group of talented individuals to achieve team objectives

  • Creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member feels valued and can contribute their unique skills in a cross-functional, international setting

  • Providing coaching and guidance to foster the growth and potential of scientists with diverse backgrounds and from different regions.

  • Designing and executing research and development projects for new products, formulations, and product concepts to drive business growth and meet customer needs.

  • Developing a deep understanding of the Home & Personal Care markets, customer requirements, and emerging trends through customer engagement and collaboration with marketing teams.

  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful commercialization of products and timely project delivery.

  • Utilizing technical expertise to solve complex challenges and provide guidance to team members.

  • Developing and implementing strategies to protect and leverage emerging technology platforms through intellectual property (IP) management.

  • Effectively managing R&D spending, project budgets, timelines, and resources.

  • Staying updated with the latest advancements in personal & home care research and technology, and building and maintaining a strong network with universities and professional organizations.

  • Participating in safety programs and leadership team.

Candidate Profile

  • Extensive experience in a research and development role within the chemical industry, preferably in areas such as Polymer/Material Science, Colloidal Science, Biochemistry, Surface Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.

  • Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.Sc.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.

  • Industrial experience of minimum 5 years with formulated products commonly used in Home & Personal Care applications is required.

  • You are an inspiring leader who fosters collaboration, values the contributions of team members, and enhances overall team performance.

  • Knowledge of current and proposed industry regulations and macro trends is essential.

  • Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time for customer engagements, trade shows, and technical conferences, both domestically and internationally.

In return you will join an exciting international organistion where you will have the professional and personal development to more senior roles. Attractive salary and package on offer.