Technical R&D Lead

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

Technical R&D Lead
Ashington, Northumberland

We encourage you to apply if you have relevant experience and expertise for this role, even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed in the job description.

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Job Purpose 
Join our R&D team and you will act as the interface with our Manufacturing Unit (MU) and Product Development Centre’s (PDC’s) for our Decorative Paints operation at Ashington. This will involve facilitating the transition of formulas from R&D-PDC to manufacturing. You will assist a Supply Chain Technologist in the continuous improvement of existing paint recipes too.  You will also provide best practice technical support to the MUs with formula and inspection plans

Job Responsibilities 
•    Develop & implement plans to evaluate all formulas developed in the PDC’s to ensure they are capable of manufacture.
•    Collaborate with PDC colleagues to agree changes required for improving formula manufacturing capability. 
•    Collaborate with colleagues to manage & resolve problems relating to formulas/batches that fail to meet quality specifications or the required manufacturing performance.
•    Support NPD by producing & evaluating trial batches.
•    Implement activities to deliver plans to improve plant productivity.
•    Monitor laboratory work & nurture colleagues to improve team capabilities.

Job Requirements 
•    Chemical or Chemical Engineering degree 
•    Good knowledge of the recipes & the manufacturing/industrialisation processes.
•    An understanding of contemporary paint formulating
•    Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies lean & six sigma. 
•    Proficiency in using IT tools, such as PV & SAP.

What Makes You Stand Out
•    Excellent communication, presentation & interpersonal skills.
•    Committed to a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key.
•    Effective project management skills.
•    Experience gained in R&D or production within Coatings is an advantage. 

What do we Offer at AkzoNobel 
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
•    Competitive Salary (depending on experience).
•    25 days holiday excluding bank holidays.
•    Income protection.
•    Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores.
•    Employee Assistance Programme.
•    Employee Life Assurance.
•    Company pension.
•    product discounts.
•    Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. Apply online via the link and we will get right back to you.

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles. 

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For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 46225