2K Polymer Systems (UK)
As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.
2K is a leading manufacturer of high performance, two component polymer products for anchoring, bonding, and repair applications. We have been manufacturing anchoring products for safety critical applications for more than 56 years and they are now used in more than 82 countries around the world for over 100 million fixing and anchoring applications each year.
We are seeking a Product Development Chemist to support the development, testing, and continuous improvement of our product portfolio. This role is responsible for laboratory research, product formulation, technical documentation, quality investigations, and supporting the successful transfer of new and modified products into production. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- To complete allocated product development tasks and projects to agreed timetable, standards and budgets, recording all events and data within the Project System.
- To ensure that the R&D laboratory functions effectively, meeting standards in respect of quality, health & safety and hygiene and that equipment is well maintained.
- To keep accurate and comprehensive records of all testing and research activities.
- To work to a weekly laboratory work plan for the product portfolio.
- To support Production with the transfer of a new product or a modified existing product from laboratory to production, investigating and resolving any areas of concern.
- To liaise with the Quality Manager about quality issues including specifications, production issues, non-conformances and any other QC matters on the associated product portfolio.
- To support the Senior Product Development Chemists and Quality Manager with the investigation of customer and supplier complaints. To help establish root causes and corrective action.
- To create and maintenance of associated PMC, PMF, PMI, BPF and BPI on the Company’s ERP software on matters of BOM, release criteria and attachments (COSHH and batch cards) for the associated product portfolio.
- To deputise for the Senior Product Development Chemist in matters relating to the product portfolio.
- To gather, compile and interpret data in order to contribute to project reports. To provide data and work activity updates for the Technical Manager’s monthly report.
- To liaise with customers and suppliers in relation to the product portfolio and represent the Company at meetings as required, striving to maintain the company’s competitive position and reputation for technical performance and quality.
- To liaise with all departments across the company about the product portfolio including sales, product engineering, production and quality.
- To ensure laboratory activity is within the Company Quality, H&S and Environmental policies.
- To keep up to date with changes in legislation, market trends and developments within their polymer market sectors, continuously seeking new potential opportunities and ideas.
- To develop own knowledge, experience and observations in order to contribute and make recommendations to the Senior Product Development Chemist. To support and uphold the values of continuous improvement methods and activities.
- To develop an excellent understanding of the product range, its formulation and commercial applications.
- To work as a team within the R&D team providing cover and support to each other.
Requirements:
- Good general education to at least GCSE level including English and Maths
- Education to Degree level or above in chemistry (or equivalent)
- Some experience of working in a manufacturing business involved with 2 component polymer chemistry.
- Experience of working in a commercial laboratory including a range of testing techniques.
- An interest in product development and project management.
- IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and use of databases
- Accurate, thorough and methodical approach to research
- Organised self-starter with good problem-solving ability
- Curiosity and a desire to learn and develop continuously.
- Good analysis, documentation and report writing skills
- Adaptable and flexible, a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude
Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.