About the Role
We’re looking for a Development Chemist to join our Technical team here at Altro, a leading British manufacturer of premium flooring and wall cladding systems. We’ve been family-owned since 1919, and our purpose is simple: to transform spaces and enhance wellbeing. We care about our people, our customers, and doing things the right way.
The role is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position, working from our Letchworth Garden City head office, with occasional travel to our Altro Resins site in Dorset.
This role is all about developing and improving products in our Resins and PVC portfolio—from initial concept through to full-scale manufacture. You’ll be involved in everything from lab testing and compliance to solving performance issues and working closely with suppliers and customers to make sure our products meet the highest standards.
Job Opportunity
What you’ll be doing:
* Leading the design and development of new products from concept to manufacture
* Enhancing existing products for performance, compliance, and efficiency
* Staying ahead of evolving legislation and industry standards
* Collaborating with suppliers and customers to define technical specifications
* Conducting rigorous lab testing to meet UK and international benchmarks
* Resolving performance issues using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis
* Supporting manufacturing, logistics, sales, and customer service with expert technical input
* Documenting installation techniques and ensuring consistent product application
* Managing external testing logistics and compliance documentation
* Benchmarking Altro products against competitors to inform strategy
* Evaluating raw materials for suitability and cost-effectiveness
* Leading investigations into product complaints and driving improvements
* Championing health and safety aligned with Altro’s Zero Harm vision
Essential Skills
What we’re looking for:
* A degree in Chemistry (BSc Hons)
* Industrial manufacturing experience
* Strong understanding of formulations, raw materials, and processes
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
* A proactive, confident team player with high integrity
* Willingness to travel (clean driving licence required)
* Experience with PVC coatings or resins is a plus
About Company
Welcome to the World of Altro! We are a leading British manufacturer and supplier of premium flooring and wall cladding systems for construction and transport. We have been going strong since 1919 and know that we can only grow further with great people on board, helping us shape our future. Family owned and run, we share family values; we care about you, each other and what we do.
Benefits
Enhanced family friendly benefits
Including Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave.
Holidays
We all need a break, and our holiday entitlement starts at 25 days plus bank holidays. Don’t worry if you need a little extra... you can buy some more!
Employee Benefits Hub
Many of us are feeling the pinch at the moment from the rising cost of living. As a result, we have looked into ways in which we can further support employees during these challenging times and we have launched our Benefit Hub to all UK employees which entitles us to exclusive discounts with our retail partners.
Learning and Development
We have a comprehensive programme of in-house training and coaching as well as access to external courses to ensure that you can continue to grow and develop throughout your career with the Altro group.
Pension
A defined contribution pension scheme available for all staff. The minimum contribution level is 4%, which will be matched by the company, however if you wish to contribute a higher level, this will be matched by the company up to 6%, in line with your length of service and the benefit being provided
Life Assurance
Hopefully never needed, but from day one you will be covered by our life assurance scheme which will pay up to four times your annual salary
Occupational Health
We offer occupational Sick Pay and even have an onsite Occupational Health Service available to help get you back on track.
Employee Assistance Programme
A 24-hour helpline to support you through any of life’s issues or problems. EAP service is entirely confidential, reliable and as a professional EAP provider, Heath Assured have teams of qualified experts to answer your calls any day, any time. They can support you on the telephone, online or in person; whichever is most suitable and appropriate. Some services are also available for anyone in your household.
Volunteering
In support of our Foundation vision, our wish is for every employee, globally, to give one day per year (the day is paid for by the company), to volunteer for a healthcare related charity/organisation. Just one day, can make a big difference!
Social Events
There are a variety of social events across the group, including the company Christmas party.
Retirement Planning
It might be a long way off, but we know it’s not always easy to stop working so we provide advice and support to ease the transition to retirement.
Eye Care
Free eye tests are available for all employees.
Long Service
We offer long service awards to all our employees.
Parking
Don’t worry about getting parked...we have free car parking at all our sites.
Additional benefits (depending on your role)
Hybrid Working
Providing flexibility around both home and office working.
Car Allowance
Certain positions with us entitle you to car allowance.
Private Medical Scheme
The type of cover available to you will be dependent on your job.