Technical Manager - R&D Manager - Senior Chemist - Coatings

Our Client is the technical market leader in the design, development, manufacture, and supply of modular bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFtS), fusion bonded epoxy coated and Stainless-Steel containment storage solutions. They are committed to providing the highest quality internationally recognised tanks and silos through its extensive global network of distributors who are responsible for customer supply and installation.

With the expansion of its product portfolio and its ever-growing distributor network, continued development is planned through the addition and development of market-leading products, solutions, and new services. To support this growth, they are looking for a Technical Manager to establish and enhance the scientific and technological aspects of coating processes on steel substrates and to drive continuous improvement in the development of technical product performance.

Responsibilities;

* To support the Technical & Process Development Director with materials engineering aspects of research and development programmes to meet the needs of the Company's strategic plans.

* To manage the programme of work on all development projects relating to the Company's coating processes and coatings process lines, from laboratory scale concepts and trials to fully implemented production solutions.

* To manage and lead research and development projects associated with new coating materials and application technologies, providing regular progress reporting to all interested parties.

* To manage and lead development programmes with glass and epoxy coating material suppliers on projects that are aligned with the Company's strategic plans.

* To play a leading role in the management and co-ordination of research and development projects with academic and other external partners.

* To be responsible for reviewing the existing body of process knowledge and to enhance this using an evidence-based approach through an ongoing continuous improvement programme of research and development.

* To manage and lead in studies that assess the processing conditions of substrates and the resultant effects on finished product quality.

* To contribute to the ongoing opportunities related to improved product quality and general operational efficiencies.

* To manage the coatings team to deliver tasks and activities relating to identifying non-optimal process conditions, increasing plant efficiency, and troubleshooting any deficiencies in coatings and their respective process lines.

* To ensure testing on product quality is carried out that demonstrates compliance with the Company's quality standards.

* To produce technical reports and papers, for both internal and external audiences, on all aspects of coating and process development projects.

* To maintain a thorough technical knowledge of all existing standard products and their material properties.

* To develop market and competitive process knowledge

* To provide technical input into research and development on specific manufacturing related projects and contribute to capital investment proposals

* To promote excellence in terms of Safety and attitude, inspiring others through personal conduct and setting of standards.

Candidate Profile;

* Ideally a BSc/BEng or MSc/MChem/MEng in a Materials, Engineering, or Chemistry related discipline. Other science or technical disciplines will also be considered.

* A technical background in manufacturing or coatings processes is preferred but not essential.

In return our client will offer an attractive salary depending on experience of the candidate, a pension comprising of employee contribution of 4% and the Company contributing 4%. This rises after 5 years and 10 years service to 6% and 7% respectively. Life Assurance x 3 basic salary and 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year. Free on site parking.

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science based Industries