Technical Manager - Product Development - Polymers

Are you an experienced senior polymer chemist or technical leader looking to make a real impact?

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established speciality chemicals manufacturer seeking a Technical Manager to lead an experienced Product Development team and help drive the company's technical and commercial success.

This is a hands-on leadership role, overseeing product development projects from concept through to full-scale manufacture while contributing to business growth, customer engagement and future strategy.

Key Tasks:

• Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead a team consisting of experienced development chemists working across both solvent-based and water-based technologies, alongside industrial and summer placement students.

• You will be responsible for ensuring projects move efficiently from laboratory development through production scale-up and commercial launch

Responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the Product Development team.

• Managing a portfolio of development projects typically lasting between 6 and 18 months.

• Driving successful scale-up from laboratory to full manufacturing production.

• Working closely with manufacturing, quality and commercial teams.

• Supporting customers through technical visits and development discussions.

• Attending industry exhibitions and representing the business externally.

• Ensuring technical activities align with commercial opportunities and strategic objectives.

• Developing broader technical capabilities across the development team.

• Providing technical leadership in polymer development, problem solving and product optimisation.

• Supporting regulatory compliance

About You

• Experienced technical professional with a background in polymer development and supervisory experience.

• A degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline.

• Significant experience within polymers, coatings, adhesives, elastomers or speciality chemicals.

• Experience of managing or mentoring technical teams.

• Strong project management and organisational skills.

• Commercial awareness and confidence working with customers.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, quality control and HSE.

• Must have the right to work in the UK - our client cannot offer sponsorship.

• Must be living in the UK. Please do not apply if you are not a UK resident.

Highly Desirable

• Experience of Polyurethane chemistry, polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) & prepolymers

• Understanding of isocyanate-based systems and associated health and safety requirements.

• Technical capability is important, but personality is equally critical.

• You will bring energy and enthusiasm with a collaborative leadership style.

• Practical, hands-on approach is required and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

You'll be joining a business where good ideas are encouraged, achievements are recognised, and technical leadership has a direct impact on future success. Professional development opportunities and long-term career progression into senior leadership are on offer for the successful candidate.

Location & Details: Based onsite, they offer flexible working hours, excellent salary and benefits. Excellent rail and road transport links make commuting straightforward from across the West Midlands

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