The role:
We’re looking for a curious and driven R&D Technologist to join our close-knit team of three at our Ripley site, working directly with the Head of QA & Development for BU Textiles.
In this full-time, hands-on role (36.5 hrs/week), you'll play a pivotal part in shaping the future of Flotex by leading raw material evaluations, supporting Flotex production and helping to solve production challenges, and developing new Flotex products and innovations.
Key responsibilities for the position include:
1. Ensuring safe working practices across lab and factory environments
2. Applying expertise in colour theory, dyeing techniques, and colourfastness
3. Evaluating raw materials using knowledge of their properties and how they react to different processing conditions
4. Supporting production with problem solving, technical insights and guidance
5. Operating lab and pilot equipment with sound understanding of lab protocols
6. Driving R&D projects independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines
7. Communicating effectively and use available tools to develop innovative textile solutions
8. Using available resources to investigate, recommend and develop innovative products/ solutions and contribute to continuous improvement
The successful candidate must:
9. Education: Have a science-based degree level or above
10. Technical Proficiency: Have a strong understanding of raw materials, R&D processes, and lab equipment, including safe lab practices and experimental design
11. Project Management: Have project management experience and be skilled at planning, prioritising, and delivering R&D projects on time, often juggling multiple tasks
12. Communication: Deliver clear and effective communication in sharing ideas, writing reports, and collaborating across departments
13. Attention to detail: Demonstrate precision in lab work, documentation, and quality control is essential
14. Analytical thinking: Have the ability to interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and draw meaningful conclusions from experiments
15. Innovation mindset: Demonstrate curiosity and creativity to explore new ideas, develop novel solutions, and improve existing products
16. Adaptability: Be comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities and new challenges
17. Teamwork and independence: Be able to work autonomously when needed, but also thrive in cross-functional teams utilising collaboration skills
18. IT: Have proficiency in Microsoft office
19. Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferable
20. Experience in textile dying or colourist experience is preferable
Salary: £47,000
Bonus target: £1,880
Fully site based
Stakeholder Pension Scheme, with death in service benefit
34 days holiday [including bank holidays]
Cash plan Scheme
Occupational Health provision
Employee Assistance Programme
Free on site parking facilities
To apply, please forward on a cover letter explaining how you meet the above requirement along with a current CV detailing your current & expected salary/benefits package to Sarah McMasters, HR Business Partner (Ripley site)