Head of Chemistry

The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.

Head of Chemistry – 12 Month FTC Maternity Cover

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: DOE
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract – Maternity Cover
Reference: 41/26

Interaction Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Chemistry to lead a well-established Chemistry Department in Kettering.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual who can combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness, team leadership and business development experience.

The Role

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a Chemistry Department of approximately 20 multiskilled technicians, technologists and support staff. You will work closely with the Laboratory Manager and Team Leader, providing direction, support and inspiration to the wider team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead, motivate and develop the Chemistry team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Drive business generation to maintain and increase departmental market share.
• Develop and deliver coordinated sales, marketing and business development plans.
• Work with external marketing partners to support departmental growth.
• Ensure the department continues to provide high-quality technical information, support and guidance to clients.
• Develop and maintain a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Represent the organisation with external contacts, including industry leaders, members, non-members, government bodies and NGOs.
• Maintain an appropriate UKAS scope and identify opportunities for extension where required.
• Ensure departmental Quality Management Systems and documentation remain current and compliant.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety across the department.
• Support international operations where required, including collaboration with overseas teams.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the future development of the department. xwwtmva

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Proven experience of leading, inspiring and motivating a technical team.