Pertemps Network Group
Head of Chemistry
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Head of Chemistry | 12 Month FTC (Maternity Cover)
Kettering, Northamptonshire
Full Time | 37.5 Hours Per Week
Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits
100% site based
Are you an experienced chemistry leader with a passion for people development, technical excellence, and commercial growth? We're supporting a leading UK testing, certification, and research organisation in the recruitment of a Head of Chemistry to lead a well-established and highly regarded chemistry function on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a multidisciplinary laboratory operation, leading a team of around 20 scientific professionals while helping shape the future direction of the department.
The Opportunity
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the chemistry division, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality testing services while driving commercial growth, innovation, and continuous improvement. The laboratory is equipped with a range of analytical instrumentation including GC-MS, HPLC, and LC-MS and supports clients across consumer product sectors through testing, compliance, and certification services.
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Key Responsibilities Include:
- Leading, motivating, and developing a team of managers, scientists, and technicians
- Driving departmental growth through business development and market engagement
- Supporting sales and marketing initiatives to increase market share
- Maintaining technical excellence and regulatory compliance
- Managing UKAS-accredited activities and scope development
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with industry stakeholders, customers, and regulatory bodies
- Championing continuous improvement, quality, and health & safety standards
- Contributing technical expertise through webinars, publications, and industry engagement
About You
We're keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing technical teams
- A strong chemistry, laboratory, or scientific testing background
- Commercial awareness and experience supporting business growth
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- The ability to translate technical expertise into strategic business outcomes
- Experience managing quality systems within a regulated environment
- Strong organizational and leadership capabilities
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Desirable
- Degree qualified in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
- Leadership or management qualification
- Experience working within accredited laboratory environments
- International stakeholder engagement experience
What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Free onsite parking
- Opportunity to lead an established and respected scientific team
- Exposure to international projects and industry-leading technical work
If you're an ambitious chemistry leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, develop people, and drive commercial success, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch.
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