R&D Chemist

We’re looking for a R&D Chemist to join our R&D team

Site-based, Redditch, Worcestershire, UK

Sitting within the Sika UK R&D function, the Sika Redditch development team contributes to maintaining and improving the performance of Sika Ucrete flooring systems. Our aim is to contribute towards maintaining our position as global market leader with special emphasis on product sustainability.

Sika Ucrete:    Market leading, high performance, industrial resin flooring systems based on hybrid polyurethane/ polyurea technology.

In the UK, Sika has offices in Welwyn Garden City, Preston, Leeds, Wishaw, and Redditch.

Purpose of the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our product development team.  Working both as part of a team and individually, the R&D Chemist leads effective, pertinent product development to maintain or improve product performance while focusing on sustainability, and safe handling for the end user. All development work is conducted in line with ISO9001, ISO14001 and internal processes to ensure customer and compliance requirements are met.

The Opportunity:

• Working both individually and as part of the development team, you will lead product development projects in line with the company’s global marketing strategy.
• You will instigate transfer of new products from development to production, actively taking part in application and production trials of new and / or modified formulations.
• You will input and maintain product formulations/ bills of materials (and, when required, new raw materials or packaging) within master-data and local SAP ERP systems. 

The ultimate aim is to improve the performance and sustainability of Sika, its products, its services, and the outcomes it creates, not only at Redditch but across the whole global business.

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

• Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays
• Core Hours Working – 39 Hours per week, Monday to Thursday, 08:00-17:00; Friday, 08:00-13:00
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you, with option to add family
• Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
• Global Income Protection (PHI)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
• Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
• Selected discounted Sika products

The Support:

You will have the opportunity to work alongside the existing team at Redditch as well as the wider R&D team across the UK.  This is a diverse group with a range of experience and a commitment to improving product performance. Our people and teams are our most important asset – we will continue to ensure that the contribution of every individual is made to count and valued accordingly.

You will be provided with an induction plan, receiving one-to-one training initially and then be given the opportunity to increase autonomy in line with self-development.  We are committed to professional and personal development.

The Skills:

We are looking for a pro-active individual, ideally from a laboratory/operations background: A fast learner with a keen eye for detail, able to work in a systematic and methodical manner.

A significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one, including a comprehensive local, product knowledge and leadership development initiatives complimented by a global Sika Business School offering.

The Future: 

Potential Career Routes: This position will allow the successful candidate to progress into a variety of roles across numerous business areas within a global company.