Technical Lead Bitumen & Asphalt Technologies Location: Airport Road West, Belfast Contract: Full-time, Permanent Reports to: Bitumen Director Company: Tennants Bitumen part of the Tennants Group, within the Roads & Construction Division Company Overview Tennants Bitumen is part of the Tennants Roads & Construction Division within the Tennants Group. Operating from its facility at Airport Road West, Belfast, the business imports, processes and distributes bituminous binders for the road construction and maintenance industry across Northern Ireland. The business combines technical capability, laboratory support and supply chain strength to deliver reliable, high-quality products to a range of infrastructure and contracting customers, supporting long-term, sustainable growth. Role Summary We are seeking to appoint a Technical Lead to support the ongoing development of Tennants Bitumens technical capability, product development and laboratory operations. The role combines technical leadership with responsibility for product quality, laboratory activity, support to plant operations and customer-facing technical support, ensuring the business operates efficiently while remaining aligned with evolving market and sustainability requirements. It is a hands-on role requiring strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to manage and prioritise activities across laboratory, plant support and customer-facing work, while supporting the wider commercial objectives of the business. Key Responsibilities Technical & Product Development Lead R&D projects aligned with the businesss product development and sustainability strategy Direct product testing and ensure compliance with relevant specifications Work with other companies within the Roads & Construction group on product identification and development Liaise with suppliers and industry partners on technical developments Laboratory & Quality Systems Manage Tennants Bitumen Quality Assurance System in accordance with the Quality Management System Assist the Group Quality Manager in maintaining and developing the Integrated Management System Oversee laboratory enhancements and future investment Mentor and support the technical team Operations & Supply Support Manage bitumen blending operations and product maintenance Manage the stock and sundry purchase ordering processes, including scheduling inward deliveries Customer & Commercial Support Provide technical consultancy and support to customers Support commercial teams by linking technical activity to revenue growth, customer retention and margin protection Essential Criteria Honours Degree or higher in Civil Engineering or equivalent, with at least 5 years experience in a materials supply business, preferably in bituminous materials Experience in a line management role Experience in the operation of an Integrated Management System A working knowledge of, and experience in the management and maintenance of industrial plant Demonstrated ability to plan and supervise work and development programmes Experience of working directly with customers on technical solutions, trials or product development Full driving licence Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook Desirable Criteria Experience in bitumen, asphalt or related materials development Knowledge of sustainability and low-carbon materials (e.g. warm mix, RAP, additives) Personal Attributes Practical and hands-on, with the ability to operate effectively across both technical and operational environments Structured and organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams across laboratory, plant support and customer-facing activity Commercially aware, with an understanding of how technical activity supports business performance and customer relationships Confident communicator, capable of engaging with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels Self-motivated and accountable, comfortable taking ownership of projects and driving work forward Hours of Work 8am 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with additional time required for out-of-hours operations as needed by the business.