Development Chemist – Innovation

Job Title: Development Chemist – Innovation

Reporting To: Head of Research and Development

Salary Band: Starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Location: This role will be based at Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim

Job Purpose: In this newly created role, you will be responsible for leading Research and NPI activities within the R&D department, collaborating closely with the Business Development function to help execute projects according to agreed technology road maps. The role has a strong focus on Innovation with activities directed towards technological advances within the façade industry resulting in delivery of market leading products which will have a major impact on margin and revenue. Working as part of the R&D team you will also collaborate closely with all departments on customer technical support, operations support, product enhancement and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

· Reporting to the Head of R&D, lead contribution to ideation, working with internal departments, academic organisations, suppliers and market research organisations to deliver market leading and market disrupting technologies.

· Responsible for planning and implementation of Research, NPI and Tech Study projects in line with the company strategic goals and objectives by working within the NPI process / Business Development functions.

· Collaboration with the Senior Scientist – Team Lead in task execution, taking responsibility for the planning, scheduling and implementation of specific new product developments and product improvement projects.

· Working closely with Business Development, co-ordinate the introduction of specific new products to market through the stage-gate process, controlling the scale up activities, involvement in site trials, assessing customer feedback and liaising with other departments to ensure all relevant technical and regulatory information is in place for product launch.

· Taking on a leadership role as the innovation team expands to include members such as Graduate Scientists.

· Provision of support to Senior Scientist – Team Lead, standing in for holiday cover etc.

· Provision of technical support, advice and training to the internal and external customer.

· Represent the company at conferences, trade shows and other events.

Criteria:

Education:

Essential: BSc degree or above in scientific discipline with at least 5 years Research Experience in Material Science.

Desirable:· PhD focused on construction materials science.

Experience:

Essential:· Experience of research project management - preferably within a manufacturing environment. · Experience of scaling up of laboratory research to production and providing technical support.

Desirable:· Awareness of the strategic objectives of a commercial and research department.

· Technical expertise with cementitious or synthetic resin product chemistries.

Skills and Competences:

Essential:

· Hunger to drive innovation through collaboration and inspiration of original thought – liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including academia, construction industry bodies, applicators and suppliers.

· Proven project management capabilities with experience of Product Development from Initial Idea to Launch including involving and influencing a variety of stakeholders. · Highly IT Literate in Excel and strong Planning and Communication / Influencing Skills with a desire to undertake Continuous Learning.

· Results driven with a strong desire to succeed and ability to work on own initiative. · Analytical thinker with the ability to solve problems and make pragmatic decisions. · Ability to understand written technical data

· Ability to supervise team members and ensure the department and company objectives are met.

Circumstances:

Essential:· Able to work flexible hours and travel as required to ensure business needs are met · Possess a full current driving licence.

Personality Fit:

· Enthusiastic and passionate about our customer experience and our reputation.

· A creative thinker who can problem solve and drive continuous improvement

· A values ambassador who leads by example and walks and talks our values

· Determined and driven by results whilst eager to work at pace