Product & Processing Technologist

Role purpose Support lab‑to‑plant technical delivery for the European laundry portfolio. Primary focus on Fabric Wash Liquids, with processing support extending to other formats as needed—in close collaboration with global R&D and cross functional partners, delivering superior consumer experiences and impactful innovations. How you’ll support the business (project types) • Net Revenue Protection: Work on maintaining existing portfolio through planned & unplanned events such as regulatory changes, supplier qualifications, formulation risks & factory support. • Gross Margin Improvement: Drive margin improvement by optimising formulations, improving processing efficiency, and enabling cost effective ingredient changes without compromising product performance or compliance. • Incremental Revenue Generation: Support new product launches (big bets, new variants, new benefits) by developing and scaling innovative formulations that meet consumer needs and deliver breakthrough benefits. Working style: This is an end to end role blending hands on lab work, pilot plant & factory-based stakeholders. It would also involve specification/PLM work. Early stages are expected lab heavy; over time, responsibilities may evolve dependant on business needs and candidate experiences. Key responsibilities • Formulation & Processing: Lead formulation trial, stability and DoEs in the lab & support pilot and main plant trials for Fabric Wash Liquids and potentially other categories of EU Laundry portfolio. • Regulatory & safety compliance: Partner with SEAC and regulatory teams to ensure consumer safety, compliant labels, and timely approvals (EU focus). • Innovation delivery: Work with global formulation, process, and packaging teams to launch high performing, compliant products at speed. • Strategic savings: Identify and deliver cost and complexity reductions within the R&D framework without compromising performance or compliance. • Stakeholder engagement: Primary stakeholders are within R&D (formulation, processing, packaging, analytics); cross functional engagement with Brand/Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and factories as needed to land innovations. • Project management: Drive rigor, risk mitigation, and safety on specific assigned projects; manage timelines, issues, and stakeholder expectations with clear, concise updates. Skills Technical & scientific • Formulation expertise: Fabric Wash Liquids – surfactants, enzymes, builders/chelants, polymers, optical brighteners, rheology modifiers, etc. • Analytical thinking: Interpret stability, performance data (e.g., SRI, general cleaning tests), and consumer/claims read-outs to guide decisions. • Process & scale-up: Move from bench to pilot to plant; manage batching, mixing, viscosity control, and first production runs. • Regulatory (EU): Knowledge of Detergent Regulation, CLP, REACH, UFI/PCN, BPR; awareness of claims and labelling norms. • Digital tools: Use ELN/LIMS/PLM for specs and traceability; apply DoE and structured data capture; create simple dashboards/visuals. Project management & communication • Deliver multiple projects from concept to deployment with clear business impact and risk mitigation. • Collaborate effectively across R&D and cross-functional teams; adapt global technologies for EU needs. • Communicate clearly and influence stakeholders to align at pace. Personal attributes • Curious and agile learner; proactive in exploring new technologies. • Resilient and flexible; thrives in fast-paced environments. • Strong ownership and accountability; safety-first mindset (GLP/COSHH). About you (qualifications & experience) • Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. • Hands on formulation experience with the ability to move from bench to pilot to plant. • Working knowledge of stability/performance testing, GLP/COSHH, and data integrity. • Data driven: comfortable with DoE, structured data capture, and basic modelling/visualisation. • Strong collaborator and communicator; organised and delivery focused. (Nice to have) Experience in FMCG environment and preferably in Home Care or Personal Care within EU and exposure to regulatory workflows and claim substantiation.