Job Description:

W Talent are exclusively representing a well-established manufacturing company who are looking to recruit a Development / Formulation Chemist to join their NPD team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist with a background in cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents or a similar industry to take a leading role in the development and improvement of FMCG cleaning products.

Working closely with the NPD, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement and Production teams, you will be responsible for developing new formulations, optimising existing products and supporting the successful transfer of products from laboratory development through to commercial manufacture.

Job Description

The successful Development / Formulation Chemist will lead formulation and product development projects across a portfolio of household and cleaning products.

You will be involved throughout the development process, from initial concept and laboratory trials through to scale-up and commercialisation. The role will also involve troubleshooting formulation and manufacturing issues, evaluating new raw materials and supporting continuous product innovation.

This is a 100% site-based role and would suit an experienced formulation chemist looking for a hands-on position within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, formulate and optimise consumer cleaning and household care products
• Work across products including surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, fabric care, toilet and bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners and specialist cleaning products
• Evaluate and select raw materials including surfactants, solvents, fragrances, preservatives and additives
• Conduct laboratory trials, stability testing, compatibility testing and product performance evaluations
• Develop cost-effective formulations while maintaining product quality and performance
• Lead formulation development projects from initial concept through to commercialisation
• Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies and more sustainable alternatives
• Benchmark competitor products and identify opportunities for product improvement
• Troubleshoot formulation, raw material, manufacturing and product performance issues
• Support pilot plant and production scale-up activities
• Ensure successful transfer of formulations from laboratory development into manufacturing
• Investigate and resolve formulation-related manufacturing challenges
• Develop and maintain manufacturing specifications, formulation records and technical documentation
• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet relevant regulatory and quality requirements
• Support product registrations and regulatory submissions where required
• Establish and maintain product specifications and quality standards
• Manage multiple NPD projects, ensuring agreed timelines and milestones are achieved
• Present technical findings, recommendations and project updates to management and key stakeholders
• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory and Production teams
• Support and provide technical guidance to laboratory colleagues where required
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the product portfolio

Key Requirements

• Previous experience in formulation and product development
• Experience within cleaning products, chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, household care or a closely related industry
• Proven experience taking products from concept through to commercialisation
• Strong knowledge of formulation chemistry and raw material functionality
• Experience working with surfactants, emulsions, rheology modifiers, preservatives, fragrances and specialty additives
• Experience conducting laboratory trials, stability testing and product performance evaluations
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of detergent and/or cleaning product formulation
• Good knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements for household and cleaning products
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of consumer products

Advantageous Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Formulation Science or a related scientific discipline
• Experience within FMCG cleaning or household products
• Experience developing sustainable or environmentally focused formulations
• Experience with new product development and product benchmarking
• Experience working directly with production teams during scale-up
• Experience with laboratory analytical and testing techniques
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior laboratory personnel

Details & Benefits

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 38 hours per week
Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm / Friday 8:30am-3:00pm
Additional: Training and development opportunities, employee benefits package

Please note: Previous formulation experience within food manufacturing is not suitable for this position, as the chemistry and formulation requirements are significantly different. Relevant experience should come from cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, household products or a similar chemical-based environment.

If you feel you have the relevant formulation experience and technical background required for this position, please apply directly to Molly Rushby at W Talent.