CK Group are recruiting for a Laboratory Development Lead to join a global chemical manufacturing company at their facilities located in Durham on a permanent basis.                         

The Company:

Our client is a leading chemical manufacturer, specialising in producing thermoplastic products and exporting them globally.  

Location:

This Laboratory Development Lead position is located in Durham, UK. 

The Role:

Reporting to the Technical Manager you will be responsible for overseeing a team of technicians/technologists involved in various lab activities, including colour matching, new product development, raw material assessment and customer sample production. This role is critical in ensuring lab operations run smoothly, therefore requires proven experience in leading and managing a lab team, with a track record of successful project delivery applications.

You will additionally be responsible for:

Managing day to day operations of the lab, setting performance objectives and developing career progression plans for lab staff. 
Overseeing lab activities including colour matching, new product development, raw material assessment and customer sample production
Collaborating with the Quality team and participating in audits and inspections
Engaging with sales and product management to understand customer needs and to oversee production of customer samples
Liaising with stakeholders 

Your Background:

Degree qualified in Polymer Science, chemical engineering, Material Science  or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Highly experienced within a compounding industry (preferably PVC), with a strong focus on laboratory operations and management 
Proven track record of managing teams
Understanding of compounding processes, formulations, and applications.
Understanding in colour matching, product development, raw materials evaluation and customer sample production for plastics products would be advantageous 

Benefits:

Pension - salary sacrifice option available. Company pay 9%, employee pays 6%.
Death in Service - 6 x salary if have financial dependants, 4 x salary if no financial dependants.
Discounted BUPA membership.
Employee Discount Scheme. 
Employee Assistance Programme. 
Free Will Writing / discounted for partners.   

Apply:

It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference (phone number removed) in all correspondence