Development Chemist

About the role

Elevation Recruitment Group is seeking a Development Chemist to join a specialist manufacturer’s R&D team in Leeds. The role involves taking products from concept through to manufacture, focusing on innovative industrial formulations and packaging compatibility.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise formulations from concept through laboratory testing to production scale‑up.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyse results and recommend improvements.
• Support product transfer into manufacturing, ensuring formulations are robust and production‑ready.
• Lead packaging‑related queries, assessing product compatibility, pack formats and material selection.
• Collaborate with suppliers, external laboratories and internal stakeholders to deliver development projects and technical investigations.
• Troubleshoot product performance issues and drive continuous improvement across products, processes and laboratory practices.
• Ensure all work complies with quality, regulatory and health & safety requirements.

Required profile

• Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum five years’ experience in formulation or development chemistry within lubricants, coatings, speciality chemicals, industrial chemicals or a comparable environment.
• Proven experience developing formulations and interpreting laboratory data to support product decisions.
• Knowledge of packaging materials, product compatibility or packaging development is highly advantageous.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems, COSHH and safe laboratory practices.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams including Operations, Commercial, Procurement and external suppliers.
• Practical, inquisitive approach with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

• Formulation development
• Laboratory analytical techniques
• Packaging compatibility assessment
• COSHH safety procedures
• Quality system compliance