Job Description
Process Chemist – Scale-Up & Manufacturing
West Yorkshire
Up to £35,000 dependent on experience
An innovative and quality-driven manufacturer in the personal care sector is looking to recruit a Process Chemist to support scale-up and optimisation of formulation processes. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chemist who enjoys bridging the gap between formulation development and full-scale manufacturing. This role is initially a maternity cover post for 12 months, but may have potential to extend.
You’ll be instrumental in piloting new formulations, refining production methods, resolving technical issues and ensuring that manufacturing processes run smoothly, cost-effectively and in compliance with safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
* Plan and run pilot trials to scale lab formulations into efficient production processes.
* Conduct risk assessments and troubleshoot production issues, ensuring consistency and quality.
* Review manufacturing batches, analyse performance and suggest improvements.
* Support root-cause investigations and recommend corrective actions for non-conformances.
* Evaluate new or alternative raw materials and test substitutions where needed.
* Ensure accurate and up-to-date technical documentation across internal systems (e.g. ERP, GBOMs).
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align scale-up plans with production timelines.
* Mentor junior chemists and technicians, sharing knowledge and process best practices.
* Assist in preparing process documentation and regulatory sign-off for production readiness.
Key Requirements:
* A degree in Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related scientific discipline.
* At least 3 years’ experience in process chemistry, scale-up or manufacturing support, ideally within cosmetics, personal care, pharma or FMCG.
* Knowledge of GMP, safety standards and quality systems.
* Hands-on experience working with liquid, semi-solid, or solid formulations.
* Strong data analysis, documentation, and technical reporting skills.
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities.
* Positive team player with a mentorship mindset.