Formulation / Development Chemist

W Talent are exclusively representing a well-established manufacturing company who are looking to recruit a Development / Formulation Chemist to join their NPD team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist with a background in cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents or a similar industry to take a leading role in the development and improvement of FMCG cleaning products.

Working closely with the NPD, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement and Production teams,

you will be responsible for developing new formulations, optimising existing products and supporting the successful transfer of products from laboratory development through to commercial manufacture.

Job Description

The successful Development / Formulation Chemist will lead formulation and product development projects across a portfolio of household and cleaning products.

You will be involved throughout the development process, from initial concept and laboratory trials through to scale-up and commercialisation. The role will also involve troubleshooting formulation and manufacturing issues, evaluating new raw materials and supporting continuous product innovation.

This is a 100% site-based role and would suit an experienced formulation chemist looking for a hands-on position within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, formulate and optimise consumer cleaning and household care products

Work across products including surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, fabric care, toilet and bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners and specialist cleaning products

Evaluate and select raw materials including surfactants, solvents, fragrances, preservatives and additives

Conduct laboratory trials, stability testing, compatibility testing and product performance evaluations

Develop cost-effective formulations while maintaining product quality and performance

Lead formulation development projects from initial concept through to commercialisation

Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies and more sustainable alternatives

Benchmark competitor products and identify opportunities for product improvement

Troubleshoot formulation, raw material, manufacturing and product performance issues

Support pilot plant and production scale-up activities

Ensure successful transfer of formulations from laboratory development into manufacturing

Investigate and resolve formulation-related manufacturing challenges

Develop and maintain manufacturing specifications, formulation records and technical documentation

Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet relevant regulatory and quality

requirements

Support product registrations and regulatory submissions where required

Establish and maintain product specifications and quality standards

Manage multiple NPD projects, ensuring agreed timelines and milestones are achieved

Present technical findings, recommendations and project updates to management and key stakeholders

Work collaboratively with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory and Production teams

Support and provide technical guidance to laboratory colleagues where required

Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the product portfolio

Key

Requirements

Previous experience in formulation and product development

Experience within cleaning products, chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, household care or a closely related industry

Proven experience taking products from concept through to commercialisation

Strong knowledge of formulation chemistry and raw material functionality

Experience working with surfactants, emulsions, rheology modifiers, preservatives, fragrances and specialty additives

Experience conducting laboratory trials, stability testing and product performance evaluations

Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production troubleshooting

Strong understanding of detergent and/or cleaning product formulation

Good knowledge of relevant regulatory

requirements for household and cleaning products

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent project management and organisational skills

Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Strong commercial awareness and understanding of consumer products

Advantageous

Requirements

Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Formulation Science or a related scientific discipline

Experience within FMCG cleaning or household products

Experience developing sustainable or environmentally focused formulations

Experience with new product development and product benchmarking

Experience working directly with production teams during scale-up

Experience with laboratory analytical and testing techniques

Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior laboratory personnel

Details & Benefits

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000

Job Type: Permanent, full-time

Hours: 38 hours per week

Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm / Friday 8:30am-3:00pm

Additional: Training and development opportunities, employee benefits package

Please note: Previous formulation experience within food manufacturing is not suitable for this position, as the chemistry and formulation

requirements are significantly different. Relevant experience should come from cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, household products or a similar chemical-based environment.

If you feel you have the relevant formulation experience and technical background required for this position, please apply directly to Molly Rushby at W Talent