About the position
An established manufacturing company is seeking an experienced, hands-on Chemist with strong Research and Development expertise to support new product development, enhance existing formulations and maintain quality standards within the production environment.
This position requires a technically capable and confident individual who can work independently, provide clear direction to production staff and firmly uphold quality and performance standards.
Responsibilities:
- Research, develop, test and analyse new adhesive products and manufacturing processes in accordance with product-development briefs
- Improve and enhance existing product formulations
- Develop SOPs for new products and processes
- Maintain accurate formulations, raw-material specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished-product specifications and quality standards
- Source and evaluate new or alternative raw materials for product development, product improvement and material substitution
- Conduct practical laboratory work, product trials and technical troubleshooting
- Implement and maintain quality controls within the mixing and production departments
- Manage the QC laboratory and ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained
- Ensure production employees comply with established quality requirements and procedures
- Provide technical support to customers and the sales, production and mixing teams
- Support compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and applicable health, safety and environmental systems
- Assist with the implementation and monitoring of KPIs and quality indicators
- Supervise production personnel, monitor performance and productivity, and address deviations appropriately
- Identify skills gaps and provide practical, on-the-job training
Requirements:
- BSc, HND or equivalent tertiary qualification in Chemistry
- At least five years' experience within the adhesive industry
- Demonstrated experience in both solvent-based and water-based adhesive technology
- Strong, practical Research and Development experience
- Proven hands-on laboratory experience
- Experience in quality control and a manufacturing or production environment
- Sound knowledge of product formulation, raw-material evaluation and technical documentation
- Exposure to ISO 9001:2015 and HSE systems would be advantageous
- Strong English verbal and written communication skills
- Willingness to work flexible hours when operationally required
Personal attributes:
- Confident and assertive, with the ability to give clear instructions and enforce quality standards
- Strong personality with the maturity to manage production employees and address performance concerns constructively
- Technically curious and genuinely motivated by research, experimentation and product development
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Highly attentive to detail
- Able to prioritise and execute tasks effectively in a high-pressure environment
- Comfortable working independently while contributing as part of a team
- Proactive, disciplined and accountable
Desired Skills:
- Chemistry
- Adhesives
- Solvent-based
- Water-based
- Research and Development
- Quality
- ISO 9001
- HSE
- Raw material specs
- Product development
- New product development
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
