The Vacancy
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join our Research & Development team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This role is ideal for someone who excels at leading complex, technically demanding R&D projects from concept through to successful delivery. You will be a confident and proactive project leader, adept at setting technical direction, building robust project plans, and taking full accountability for time, cost, quality and risk. You thrive in cross-functional environments and can successfully align teams, ranging from Procurement to Manufacturing Operations, to achieve shared objectives.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong capability in recognised product development frameworks, particularly ‘stage-gate’ development methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
As Project Head, you will be responsible for the management and delivery of technically complex projects. Activities include, but are not limited to:
1. Formation of effective cross-functional project teams
2. Contributing to technical strategy and approach
3. Risk/issue identification and mitigation
4. Project planning
5. Budget management
6. Overseeing supplier relationships
7. Reporting to executive sponsors
As a Core Team member, you will:
8. Own specialised/expert work-packages critical to project success
9. Support project management activities as required
General responsibilities include:
10. Planning and executing laboratory studies, manufacturing trials and data analyses to support project objectives.
11. Providing expertise on integrating new security features into the Currency production environment.
12. Collaborating with Product Engineering to ensure the seamless transition of new security features from development to production.
13. Contributing to assessments of commercial opportunities/threats and competitor activity.
14. Supporting analysis of competitor intellectual property and commercial freedom to operate.
15. Generating intellectual property to support of current and future product developments.
16. Contributing to the continuous improvement and expansion of laboratory capabilities.
17. Providing technical input to procurement activities.
Contract type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Working hours: Full Time – 36.5 hrs per week (9am – 5:15pm Mon, 9am – 5pm Tues – Fri
Base location: Basingstoke Viables
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
18. Degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science/Engineering.
19. At least 5 years’ relevant industry experience in Product Development and/or a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science/Engineering.
20. Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: Micro-structures Foils & adhesives Gravure printing Novel & advanced materials
21. Practical trial experience across a range of production processes.
22. Understanding of statistical tools and techniques.
23. Experienced in stage-gate product development methodologies.
24. Competent in providing leadership and project management for technically complex development projects.
25. Good awareness of patent and IP processes.
26. Willingness to travel for manufacturing trials, both within the UK and internationally.
About De La Rue
De La Rue is a leading supplier of currency solutions and a long-standing trusted partner to central banks and governments worldwide. Our products underpin the integrity of economies and trade, enabling businesses and citizens to participate securely in their respective economies.
With a heritage spanning over years, we remain a global leader in advancing security and integrity for currency solutions, supplying 54% of the world’s central banks and manufacturing in the UK, Europe & Asia. We produce fully finished banknotes, polymer substrate, security and currency services.
Benefits
27. Car allowance
28. Eligible for the Company’s Annual incentive scheme
29. Hybrid working opportunities
30. 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
31. Contributory pension scheme (De La Rue pay 1.5x the employee’s contribution – employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%, with employer contributions up to a maximum of 9%)
32. Private health insurance – No cost for single cover, subsidised rates for additional dependant cover
33. Life assurance - 4x your annual salary
34. Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our Annual Leave Flexibility Scheme
35. Cycle to Work Scheme
36. Subsidised Gym Memberships
37. Various other perks and Employee Assistance packages
38. Enhanced family friendly policies (e.g., four weeks paid paternity leave)
Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and therefore interviews may be held prior to the closing date for this vacancy.
***To be eligible for consideration, you must be authorised to work in the UK without company sponsorship***