Senior R&D Chemist - Hot Melt Adhesives

Description
Senior R&D Chemist – Hot Melt Adhesives
On-site | Full-time
Rudheath, England, United Kingdom
£35,000–£60,000 per annum + Bonus Scheme
Relocation Support + Visa Sponsorship Available
Overview
Are you a specialist in hot melt adhesives looking to make a significant impact in packaging and product innovation? We are seeking a Senior R&D Chemist to join a respected and ambitious technical team, where you'll lead formulation and development projects in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
This is a UK-based, full-time, on-site role located in Rudheath, Northwich. Our client welcomes applications from international candidates and is able to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to eligible individuals. Relocation support is available.
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, developing hot melt adhesives and related products used primarily in the packaging industry. Your responsibilities will span from R&D and scale-up through to customer trials and board-level presentations.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead formulation of packaging hot melt adhesives and other adhesive types (water-based, such as PVA, VAE based, acrylic solvent-based)
  
• Reformulate to improve performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency
  
• Evaluate novel raw materials and support full-scale manufacturing scale-ups
  
• Collaborate with suppliers, sales, and customers across the UK and Europe
  
• Ensure all products meet relevant regulatory and quality standards (ISO 9001)
  
• Present technical progress and results in internal meetings and at board level
  Requirements
  Strict Requirement: Candidates must have direct experience working with hot melt adhesives or hot melt adhesive applications. Experience in packaging is desirable, but experience with hot melt technology is non-negotiable.
  Must-Haves:
  
• Proven, hands-on experience in formulating packaging and labelling hot melt adhesives or developing hot melt applications
  
• Degree or HND in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
  
• Strong experience in taking products from R&D through to commercialisation
  
• Skilled in scaling up from lab batches to production
  
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  
• UK driving licence (some travel within UK and EU)
  Preferred (but not essential):
  
• Exposure to water-based and solvent-based adhesive systems
  
• Experience in customer trials or technical sales support
  Benefits
  
• £35,000–£60,000 annual salary
  
• Bonus scheme linked to company gross profit
  
• Visa sponsorship available for eligible overseas applicants
  
• Relocation support for international or UK-based movers
  
• Free lunch and on-site parking
  
• 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
  
• Work with a values-driven team focused on Responsibility, Relationships, and Results
  Location & Hours
  Gadbrook Business Centre, Rudheath, Northwich (on-site)
  Monday to Friday | 45 hours per week
  Visa & Relocation Support
  Our client is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas under the UK Home Office scheme and actively welcome applications from international candidates who meet the technical criteria. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK work visa, including English language requirements.
  If you’re ready to lead in hot melt innovation and want to work with a team that values your expertise, we’d love to hear from you