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
