Lead Development Chemist Engineer

Our client based in Whetstone, Leicester, is searching for a Lead Development Chemist Engineer to join their team on a permanent basis.

To develop leading-edge products in the field of composite materials and to support customers with implementation of new products.

Primary Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

• Write work plans to achieve short-term and medium-term product development through chemical product design (formulation of new products).
• Understand testing requirements, prepare quality samples, run corresponding experiments.
• Carry out analytical & mechanical testing (or other) or commission testing (when not available in 1 house) and interpret data adequately
• Write technical report and relevant technical datasheets.
• Benchmark existing market-leading products.
• Lead chemical process development through support of pilot batches of new products.
• Set adequate process paperwork to provide guidance to shop floor operators.

Customer Manufacturing Process:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Base Group Ltd products lines and corresponding competitors' products.
• Support customer enquiries with fact-based scientific lab-work.
• Document queries and findings in customer report.

Standards:

• Ensure high standards of housekeeping are maintained throughout the formulation lab.
• Respect and implement Health and Safety risk assessment for all practical tasks, including COSHH assessments.
• Ensuring quality related checks are carried out as appropriate.
• Delivering high quality written reports as required.
• Lead quality improvement projects when and where required by the business.

Laboratory:

• Develop knowledge of existing laboratory equipment and identify needs for new techniques or equipment.
• Capture essential laboratory activities through the writing of supporting documents.

Other:

• Facilitate meetings as appropriate
• Train and mentor staff as appropriate within limitations of own authorities/knowledge, competence and resource.

Essential Personal Specification, Experience and Education Required:

Qualities and Attitude:

• Passionate about your field.
• Analytical in approach.
• Self-motivated with a high level of commitment.
• "Hands-on" approach with a "can-do" attitude.
• Results driven.

Experience:

• Minimum three years' experience with relevant scientific background.
• Strong Project Management and Methodology.

Qualifications and Training:

• 1 st degree in a field of science or engineering (minimum grade 2:2).

Desirable Personal Specification, Experience and Education Required:

Qualities and Attitude:

• Tenacious.
• Sound business judgement.
• Project management skills.
• Negotiating and influencing skills.

Experience:

• Minimum three years industrial experience, in the field of composites, adhesives and coatings.

Qualifications and Training:

• Relevant PHD and / or 1 st degree in materials science, polymer or organic chemistry (minimum grade 2:1).

Competencies Requested:

• Strong organisational and time management skills (planning and scheduling ahead. Multi-tasker).
• Problem-solving approach.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Numerate, literate, articulate.
• Customer service focus.
• Effective communicator, on phone, in writing and in person at all levels - ability to impart/articulate technical information in a non-technical way.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise.
• Presentation skills.
• Good IT skills, use of Microsoft Office programs.