New Product Innovation Lead

Our client is an international petrochemicals company specialising in the development and manufacture of oils, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and polymer-based solutions. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and decades of expertise, they play a pivotal role in supplying high-performance products that are critical to industries such as telecommunications, construction, automotive, and consumer goods.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a creative, innovative scientist who can combine hands-on technical expertise with visionary thinking. The role places a particular emphasis on the development of cable fillers and polymer-based materials, where you will apply your material science and polymer chemistry background to design and deliver new products. From laboratory experimentation and formulation through to production scale-up, launch, and exploring new market applications, you will take full ownership of the innovation process.

Key Responsibilities

• Use your material science and polymer chemistry expertise to design and develop new products, with a strong focus on cable fillers and related applications.
• Work hands-on in the laboratory with a variety of instrumentation to test, refine, and optimise formulations.
• Oversee product scale-up into production, ensuring seamless transition from lab to manufacturing.
• Identify and explore new application areas for products across adhesives, sealants, coatings, and petrochemical derivatives.
• Collaborate closely with production, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure products meet technical, quality, and customer requirements.
• Monitor global industry trends to ensure the company remains at the cutting edge of innovation in petrochemicals and polymer chemistry.
• Drive a culture of creativity and forward-thinking innovation across the business.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree (or higher) in Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory skills and familiarity with diverse analytical instrumentation.
• Proven ability to think creatively and apply material science principles to solve complex product challenges.
• Experience in product development within petrochemicals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, or related industries.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities and markets.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Why Join?

• Take the lead in shaping innovative petrochemical and polymer-based products from concept to market launch.
• Enjoy a highly creative role that blends lab-based experimentation with real-world market impact.
• Work in an international business with a strong technical heritage and forward-looking approach.
• Competitive salary, benefits package, and excellent career progression opportunities.

Contact VRS today to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Key Words: Innovation, Creativity, Product Development, Petrochemicals, Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, Cable Fillers, Adhesives, Sealants, Coatings, Oils, Formulation, Laboratory, R&D, Scale-up, New Product Launch, Market Development, Project Management, Midlands, West Midlands, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Worcester, Walsall, Tipton, VRS9115AH