Technical Project Lead – Industrial Lubricants

About the role

Elevation Recruitment Group is seeking a Technical Project Lead to join a specialist manufacturer’s R&D function in Leeds. This senior position will own innovation projects, guiding new industrial lubricant and grease products from concept through to commercial launch.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development of new industrial lubricant and grease products from idea to market.
• Design formulations and experimental programmes to deliver customer‑focused solutions.
• Support scale‑up and technology transfer to ensure robust manufacturing processes.
• Translate market requirements into technical projects in partnership with Product Management.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and external test houses for product validation.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies and competitor activity.
• Mentor colleagues and provide technical expertise across cross‑functional teams.

Required profile

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Tribology or related field (MSc/PhD advantageous).
• Significant experience in industrial lubricants, greases or similar formulation environments.
• Proven track record developing and formulating industrial lubricant products.
• Experience taking products through laboratory development, testing and scale‑up.
• Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, raw materials and performance testing.
• Ability to work confidently across technical and commercial teams.
• Proactive problem‑solver with a passion for innovation.

Required skills

• Formulation development
• Industrial lubricant and grease chemistry
• Scale‑up and technology transfer
• Performance testing
• Tribology knowledge

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence product strategy within a research‑focused business.
• Leadership of technically challenging projects.
• Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum.