Formulation / Development Chemist

Lead Formulation and Product Development in FMCG Manufacturing

Join a well-established manufacturing company to take a leading role in the development and improvement of FMCG cleaning products. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced formulation chemist with a background in cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, or a similar industry to drive innovation within a fast-paced environment.

Working closely with 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. This is a 100% site-based role suited to a hands-on professional looking to manage multiple projects and contribute to continuous product innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, formulate, and optimise consumer cleaning and household care 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, ensuring 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, supporting product registrations and 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 within 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, and product performance evaluations.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of detergent and/or cleaning product formulation.
• Good knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements for household and cleaning products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of consumer products.

Advantageous Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Formulation Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience within FMCG cleaning or household products.
• Experience developing sustainable or environmentally focused formulations.
• Experience with new product development and product benchmarking.
• Experience working directly with production teams during scale-up.
• Experience with laboratory analytical and testing techniques.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior laboratory personnel.

Role Details and Benefits

• Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
• Job Type: Permanent, full-time
• Hours: 38 hours per week
• Working Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm / Friday 8:30am-3:00pm
• Additional: Training and development opportunities, employee benefits package

Please note: Previous formulation experience within food manufacturing is not suitable for this position, as the chemistry and formulation requirements are significantly different. Relevant experience should come from cleaning products, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, household products, or a similar chemical-based environment.