Lead Chemical Engineer - Research & Development

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Chemical Engineer to head their innovative Research & Development team in Leeds . This role is crucial for driving the development of next-generation chemical products and processes, requiring a blend of scientific curiosity and practical engineering acumen. You will lead a team of talented engineers and scientists, guiding projects from conceptualization through to pilot-scale validation. This hybrid position allows for strategic planning and leadership from home, complemented by essential hands-on work and collaboration within our client's state-of-the-art R&D facilities located in Leeds , fostering a culture of cutting-edge discovery and continuous innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chemical engineers and scientists in R&D projects.
• Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of experiments for new product and process development.
• Translate research findings into viable, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Develop and manage R&D project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and scientific advancements relevant to the chemical industry.
• Prepare technical reports, patent applications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related scientific field.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in chemical R&D, with a proven track record of successful product or process innovation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Expertise in reaction engineering, process design, and scale-up principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with excellent documentation skills.
• Proficiency in simulation software and data analysis techniques is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience and leadership role.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Performance-based incentives and annual bonus structure.
• Generous allowance for professional development and continuing education.
• Hybrid work model balancing remote flexibility with on-site R&D collaboration in Leeds .