Formulation​/Development Chemist

Position: Formulation / Development Chemist
W Talent are exclusively representing a well-established manufacturing company who are looking to recruit a Development / Formulation Chemist to join their NPD team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist with a background in cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents or a similar industry to take a leading role in the development and improvement of FMCG cleaning products.

Working closely with the NPD, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement and Production teams, you will be responsible for developing new formulations, optimising existing products and supporting the successful transfer of products from laboratory development through to commercial manufacture.

Job Description

The successful Development / Formulation Chemist will lead formulation and product development projects across a portfolio of household and cleaning products.

You will be involved throughout the development process, from initial concept and laboratory trials through to scale-up and commercialisation. The role will also involve troubleshooting formulation and manufacturing issues, evaluating new raw materials and supporting continuous product innovation.

This is a 100% site-based role and would suit an experienced formulation chemist looking for a hands-on position within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, formulate and optimise consumer cleaning and household care products
Work across products including surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, fabric care, toilet and bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners and specialist cleaning products
Evaluate and select raw materials including surfactants, solvents, fragrances, preservatives and additives
Conduct laboratory trials, stability testing, compatibility testing and product performance evaluations
Develop cost-effective formulations while maintaining product quality and performance
Lead formulation development projects from initial concept through to commercialisation
Research and evaluate new ingredients, technologies and more sustainable alternatives
Benchmark competitor products and identify opportunities for product improvement
Troubleshoot formulation, raw material, manufacturing and product performance issues
Support pilot plant and production scale-up activities
Ensure successful transfer of formulations from laboratory development into manufacturing
Investigate and resolve formulation-related manufacturing challenges
Develop and maintain manufacturing specifications, formulation records and technical documentation
Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet relevant regulatory and quality requirements
Support product registrations and regulatory submissions where required
Establish and maintain product specifications and quality standards
Manage multiple NPD projects, ensuring agreed timelines and milestones are achieved
Present technical findings, recommendations and project updates to management and key stakeholders
Work collaboratively with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory and Production teams
Support and provide technical guidance to laboratory colleagues where required
Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the product portfolio

Key Requirements

Previous experience in formulation and product development

Experience with in cleaning products, chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, household care or a closely related industry
Proven experience taking products from concept through to commercialisation
Strong knowledge of formulation chemistry and raw material functionality
Experience working with surfactants, emulsions, rheology modifiers, preservatives, fragrances and specialty additives
Experience conducting laboratory trials, stability testing…