Cranleigh STEM is working exclusively with a globally recognised chemical manufacturing company based in Alfreton who is currently recruiting for an R&D Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. As R&D Manager, you will take a lead role when it comes to new formulations of adhesive products optimising processes, designing their new state of the art lab and management of staff within R&D. R&D Manager responsibilities: Your main duties will be: Project management of new adhesive materials formulations from concept through to scale up and production. Innovating new products and processes and supporting existing products and processes. Optimising operational costs and installation costs. Quality assurance of raw material specifications. Design and performance requirements of products used in building envelope systems. Research latest technologies using laboratory pilot-scale and plant-scale processing equipment to create new products and building assemblies test methods formulations and processing techniques. Effective communication of this knowledge will be demonstrated by teaching others sharing knowledge and collaborating with stakeholders. R&D Manager requirements: Degree qualified in Chemistry Polymer Science (or related technical discipline) - essential Masters or PhD preferred. Proven industry experience in an R&D laboratory environment – ideally formulating adhesives. Knowledge of silicone STPE polymers epoxy polysulphide hot melts or pressure sensitive adhesives sealants or coatings is a plus. Experience of new product formulation research and development. Experience of managing/supervising a small team within a fast-paced lab environment. Operation of analytical mechanical property and chemical processing equipment. Polymer manufacturing technologies knowledge such as small- pilot- or plant-scale processing equipment; plant batch - and/or continuous-manufacturing processes. Knowledge of polymer materials and compounds including mechanical and physical testing instruments high temperature physical property test equipment. £55k company benefits Chemistry/R&D/Formulation/Scale-up