Senior Polymer Technologist

Location: Leicester

Type: Full-time | On-site

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Cranleigh STEM is working in exclusive partnership with a global manufacturer at the forefront of polymer innovation. With a long-standing commitment to sustainability, performance, and continuous R&D investment, they’re now seeking a Senior Polymer Technologist to lead cutting-edge compound development projects within their UK technical team.

Senior Polymer Technologist:

This is a senior-level role, perfect for a confident formulator with a passion for problem-solving and project leadership. You’ll play a key role in the design and development of new polymer compounds, supporting both internal stakeholders and global customers.

Senior Polymer Technologist responsibilities:

• Lead compound formulation and development projects to meet customer and market requirements.
• Deliver technical support for product scale-up, commercialisation, and quality assurance.
• Develop, document, and maintain formulation specs in SAP and quality systems.
• Collaborate closely with operations, sales, purchasing, and QC teams.
• Provide on-site technical support to customers during trials and troubleshooting.
• Research and recommend alternative raw materials to manage supply risks and costs.
• Stay abreast of new and emerging polymer technologies, representing the company at industry events.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across products and processes.

Senior Polymer Technologist requirements:

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to bring a strong technical foundation, practical experience in polymer formulation, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• A degree (BSc or higher) in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in formulating polymer compounds. It would be highly beneficial to possess halogen-free flame-retardant or TPE materials, but it is not essential.
• Hands-on experience with polymer processing (extrusion, injection moulding) and testing methods (DSC, TGA, MFI, etc.).
• Confidence in leading customer trials, resolving technical challenges, and collaborating across functions.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in Office 365; SAP experience is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (UK and international).
• A full UK driving licence and a valid passport.