Forbo Flooring as division of Forbo Group is a complex manufacturer of high-quality commercial and residential flooring with an extensive and attractive range of environmentally friendly linoleum, high-quality vinyl flooring & LVT, entrance flooring systems, carpet tiles, needlefelt and Flotex flocked flooring. With 15 sites across 26 countries and 3000 employees, the flooring division has 4 sites in the United Kingdom. Further information at http://www.forbo.co.uk/
The Ripley site produces a range of flocked floor coverings in sheet, tile and plank formats. With a manufacturing footprint of 12000sqm and a 9000sqm warehouse, Ripley’s manufacturing processes include polyamide yarn cutting, dyeing, drying, electrostatic flocking, rotary and digital printing, backing application and final cutting/conversion. The Ripley site has ISO14001, ISO9001, ISO45001 and ISO 5001 (the first manufacturing site in the UK to achieve this) quality accreditations.
The role:
We are recruiting for a Junior R&D Technologist to join our team in Ripley, Derbyshire supporting the development and improvement of Flotex products. This role plays an important part in how we evaluate materials, strengthen product performance, and contribute to ongoing innovation across the business. Working closely with the Head of Quality & Development for BU Textiles, and our two current R&D Technologists, you’ll gain a full understanding of how the R&D function operates and how ideas progress into practical solutions that support Forbo’s wider goals. The role involves working within agreed project budgets and timelines and collaboration across teams.
Key responsibilities for the position include:
* Understanding of safe laboratory working practices including safe working methods and accurate record‑keeping
* Supporting PVC technologist and Textile technologist in all areas of PVC and textile development
* Understanding of how different raw materials behave and how they respond to processing conditions
* Understanding production processes to enable production support (collaboration, problem solving and teamwork)
* Ability to manage and contribute to R&D project work, meeting deadlines and keeping stakeholders informed
* Use available resources to investigate, recommend and develop innovative products/ solutions
The successful candidate must have:
Technical Scientific Competence
* Education to minimum Post Graduate level including Science Based degree
* Experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, or technical environment, either through work, placement, or academic projects
* Proficiency in using standard IT tools for data entry, reporting, research, communication and presentation
Problem Solving
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving approach, with the ability to investigate issues methodically to identify root causes and evaluate potential solutions.
* Ability to interpret test results, spot anomalies, and draw meaningful conclusions.
* Curiosity and a proactive mindset toward continuous improvement and innovation
Project and Time Management
* Organisation skills and be able to work to agreed timelines, managing tasks within project budgets and priorities.
* Resilience and adaptability when working with evolving project requirements
* Attention to detail, particularly when testing, recording results, or evaluating materials.
Collaboration and Communication
* Good communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to work alongside production, quality, and R&D colleagues.
* Hands‑on, practical mindset with a willingness to engage in both lab and production environments
Innovation
* Ability to use his or her initiative and to be proactive when the situation dictates.
* Self‑motivated, eager to learn, and comfortable asking questions
Salary - £37,500
Bonus - £1,500
36.5 hours
Office based (no hybrid working or WFH)