Formulation Chemist

Formulation Chemist

The Darent Wax Company Ltd is a privately owned, manufacturer and blender of specialist wax compounds. The company which was founded in1984 and has a heritage that can be traced back to the 1880’s through its subsidiary, Wilkins Campbell & Co Limited.

Due to ongoing expansion and a real desire to remain a market leader in technical service and product development, the company seeks to recruit a highly experienced and creative Formulation Chemist. This role will be based primarily at our South Darenth headquarters just off the M25 J3/M20 J1 but may involve some work-related travel.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about innovation? Are you seeking a vocation? Join the thriving Research & Development team at Darent Wax based in Kent and help shape the future of cutting-edge products in a forward-thinking company.

Working alongside our existing, creative team of technicians. This role will be a corner stone of our research & development efforts, helping shape the future of the products and services we offer as forward-thinking company.

Full time, permanent, site based, 40hrs per week (30-minute unpaid lunch break), Monday to Friday, 08:30am to 5pm.

Key Responsibilities

* To develop new products as well as maintenance of profitable new products to meet business requirements to agreed deadlines and timescales

* Identification and research of new raw materials, applications & production processes

* Working closely with other technicians and project leaders on the formulation and research of new and existing products

* Application of own scientific and formulation knowledge in problem solving situations

* Provide updates of project progress, including regular communication with project leaders

* Provide technical advice, guidance & support maintaining laboratory processes, equipment

* Meets required Production, Quality, EHS & Regulatory policies when formulating new products and maintaining existing products

* Ensure safe handling information and material information is available for all incoming raw materials

* Support the creation and update of technical data for customers (e.g. Specifications, SDS/TDS and Product Information)

* Ensure technical files, physical and electronic, are maintained in a logical, easy to access format with background information and raw data saved centrally

* Interact with other departments and individuals collaboratively

* Provide guidance on the technical viability and compliance considerations of new products and projects

* Develop an understanding of key sectors, providing support to the commercial team on products and anticipated uses

* Ensure all formulation and sample requests are completed within agreed timeframe

* Support for SHE (Safety, Health and Environmental) and Operations teams to effectively carry out COSHH risk assessments (control of substances hazardous to health)

* Provide the Technical Director and Commercial team with regular updates on development progress as well as performance reporting as required

Ideally the successful candidate will bring

* Practical/proactive problem solver and flexible to support a dynamic, customer driven business

* Tenacious, thorough, determined, energetic and driven with attention to detail

* Demonstratable advanced formulation experience in waxes, adhesives, emulsions, paints, inks etc

* Demonstratable advanced experience identifying new raw materials, applications & production processes

* Advanced appreciation of technical documents, e.g SDSs, ideally in a specialty chemical or solvents business

* Awareness of chemical legislation such as CLP, REACH, COSHH and GHS

* Advanced awareness of GMP, cGMP

* Good knowledge of Microsoft and IT literate. Able to collate data from multiple sources into useable documentation

* Some experience of QC and analytical data handling

* Well organised and able to assimilate new information quickly and take innovative approach to solve complex queries

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English critical), providing internal stakeholders with clear concise information to provide positive and beneficial interaction

* Creative, persuasive, goal orientated and able to follow specific processes and requirements

* Quality conscious and able to respond quickly to requests for information or support

* Team player and solution orientated

What we offer

Competitive salary plus benefits (pension, simply health policy, death in service benefit, free parking), 28 days holiday p.a. inclusive of bank holidays

Training bond offered for applicable advanced training and development requirements

Thriving and entrepreneurial working environment

A vocation and opportunity to be part of the ongoing development of a unique and successful business, owned and operated by truly passionate people

Significant long term progression opportunities for the right person

How to apply for the role

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and you will be able to submit your CV and a covering note.

You must be authorised to work in the UK.

Other suitable skills and experience include

Product Development Scientist, R&D Technician, Formulation Chemist, Industrial Chemist, Ink Chemist, Materials Scientist, Process Chemist, Polymer Chemist, Adhesives, Innovation Specialist.

** No agencies please