Vacancy Number: req5648
Location: Ditton
Location Address: Foundry Lane, Ditton, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8UB, United Kingdom
Closing Date: 02/02/2026
Overview
Croda is a FTSE100 organisation driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors. We are passionate about developing and utilising new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. We are looking for a Research Team Leader to join our Process Innovation Team, located at our Ditton site, to lead an experienced team of scientists in the development of new chemical and process technologies, manage and drive projects forward, and provide technical expertise to the business. The team ensures the uptake of projects through selling the benefits to stakeholders whilst supporting sites during the implementation and scale-up of these new technologies and processes. You will interact with other sites and teams globally to identify areas for improvement and to generate original thinking in design and development. You will regularly communicate technical information and influence internally at all site levels and work closely with external organisations to develop technical solutions. You will be involved in designing and developing end-to-end processes, typically involving unfamiliar technology, by leveraging internal and external expertise and knowledge. The ideal candidate should have experience in developing, coaching, and encouraging team members, and should be passionate about innovation.
Who We’re Looking For
At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.
* You will be able to lead and motivate a team.
* You will have a proven track record in project management and pushing projects forward to completion.
* You will be able to analyse problems critically.
* You will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously to successful conclusions.
* You should have excellent reporting and project tracking skills.
* You will be educated to degree level or equivalent in chemistry or a related discipline, with experience of working in a laboratory environment.
* You will possess excellent laboratory skills and be able to train others.
* You will be expected to show initiative in developing innovative solutions to problems and projects.
* You will have the skill set to develop, coach and encourage all team members.
* You want to develop yourself as an individual and learn new areas within Croda.
What You’ll Be Doing
Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter. The Process Innovation Team is an interdisciplinary team that identifies, evaluates and develops innovative and differentiating technologies to our manufacturing sites.
* Scouting to identify next generation technologies
* Conducting feasibility studies both in our laboratory and with third parties
* Design and carry out laboratory experiments, review results to seek answers to problems, decide how to proceed to the next stage, and assist other team members with these processes
* Able to communicate complex scientific information in the form of written technical reports appropriate to the given audience
* Manage the laboratory team and take responsibility for safety within the laboratory environment
* Design, arrange and carry out technology trials, liaising when necessary, with other technical, site and commercial teams
* Independently responsible for planning and running multiple projects and carrying out trials of varying complexity to deliver new products on time to the business. Typically, projects can range from six months to a couple of years.
* Communicate with global teams to identify areas for improvement, potential project and share information about technology and processes
* Continually develop own knowledge of external and Croda technology, as well as relevant scientific techniques to continuously improve research capability
What We Offer
Join a global organisation with countless opportunities for growth and leadership. The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
* Defined benefit pension scheme
* 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)
* Private medical insurance
* Access to share plans
* Cycle to work scheme
* Car leasing scheme
* Generous parental leave
* Retail platform benefits
* Free car parking on Croda sites
Additional Information
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email candidate@croda.com.
Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
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