Head of Chemistry - Lead & Grow a Dynamic Lab

Head of Chemistry - 12 Month FTC
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: DOE
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract
A leading technical testing and consultancy organisation is looking for an experienced Head of Chemistry to join its team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
This is a senior leadership role overseeing a well-established Chemistry department of around 20 technical and laboratory-based staff. The successful candidate will combine strong people leadership with a commercial mindset, helping to develop the department, improve its structure and processes, and identify opportunities for business growth.
The Role
As Head of Chemistry, you will take overall responsibility for the Chemistry department, providing leadership across laboratory management, technical operations and business development.
Key responsibilities will include:
Leading, motivating and developing a team of approximately 20 technical and laboratory staff
Reviewing and developing the departmental structure to support future growth
Identifying and developing new business opportunities to maintain and increase market share
Contributing to sales, marketing and business development strategies
Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, members and industry contacts
Representing the organisation at external meetings, industry events and with senior stakeholders
Ensuring the department maintains an appropriate UKAS accreditation scope
Supporting extensions to the department's technical scope where required
Maintaining high standards across quality management systems and documentation
Ensuring health & safety requirements are met
Developing a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency
Providing technical support and guidance to customers and members
Working closely with international teams and supporting overseas operationsAbout You
We're looking for an experienced chemistry or laboratory professional who combines technical credibility with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
You will ideally have:
Proven experience leading and motivating a technical, laboratory or scientific team
Experience of business development and growing commercial opportunities
Experience working within budgetary requirements
A strong understanding of the industries and markets served by testing, technical or scientific organisations
The confidence to communicate with senior stakeholders both in the UK and internationally
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
A strategic and commercially minded approach
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
The ability to delegate effectively and develop people
A proactive, approachable and diplomatic management style
The ability and willingness to travel when requiredA formal leadership qualification would be advantageous, as would previous international travel or experience.
What's on Offer?
12-month fixed-term contract
37.5 hours per week
Salary dependent on experience
25-28 days' annual leave, depending on service
Life assurance
Group personal pension scheme
Income protection
Free on-site parkingCandidates are asked to include their salary expectations when applying.
If you're an experienced Chemistry, Laboratory or Technical leader looking for a senior fixed-term opportunity combining people leadership, technical responsibility and commercial development, we'd be keen to hear from you.
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