HEAD OF CHEMISTRY – 12 MONTH FTC

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum

37.5 hours per week, 12-month fixed-term contract

About the role

An experienced Head of Chemistry is sought on a 12-month maternity cover contract to lead a well-established Chemistry department of around 20 technical and laboratory-based staff. This senior leadership role combines strong people leadership with a commercial mindset, focusing on developing the department, improving its structure and processes, and identifying opportunities for business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of approximately 20 technical and laboratory staff
• Review and develop the departmental structure to support future growth
• Identify and develop new business opportunities to maintain and increase market share
• Contribute to sales, marketing, and business development strategies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, members, and industry contacts
• Represent the organisation at external meetings, industry events, and with senior stakeholders
• Ensure the department maintains an appropriate UKAS accreditation scope
• Support extensions to the department's technical scope where required
• Maintain high standards across quality management systems and documentation
• Ensure health & safety requirements are met
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Provide technical support and guidance to customers and members
• Work closely with international teams and support overseas operations

Requirements

• 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 required

A formal leadership qualification would be advantageous, as would previous international travel or experience.

Benefits

• 25-28 days' annual leave, depending on service
• Life assurance
• Group personal pension scheme
• Income protection
• Free on-site parking