Product & Processing Technologist

Product & Processing Technologist - Fabric Wash Liquids (Home Care R&D)

This is a compelling opportunity for a skilled technologist to make a significant impact within the Home Care R&D division, specifically focusing on the European Fabric Washing Liquids portfolio. Based at the Port Sunlight Research Lab (PSL), this role offers a dynamic blend of hands-on laboratory work, pilot plant, and factory engagement, making it ideal for individuals who thrive on bringing innovative products from concept to consumer.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Technologists:

• End-to-End Project Ownership: You'll be involved in the entire lifecycle of product development, from initial formulation trials in the lab to supporting full-scale production. This provides invaluable experience in understanding and overcoming the challenges of scaling up.
• Direct Consumer Impact: Your work will directly contribute to delivering superior consumer experiences and driving impactful innovations in the highly competitive fabric washing market. This offers a tangible sense of accomplishment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates close collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders, including global R&D teams, Brand/Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and manufacturing. This broadens your understanding of the business and develops crucial influencing skills.
• Focus on Critical Business Areas: You'll contribute to Net Revenue Protection, Gross Margin Improvement, and Incremental Revenue Generation, providing exposure to the commercial drivers behind R&D decisions.
• Regulatory Exposure: Partnering with SEAC and regulatory teams offers a strong foundation in EU-specific regulations such as the Detergent Regulation, CLP, REACH, UFI/PCN, and BPR, which are essential for career progression in the FMCG sector.
• Flexibility and Growth Potential: The role offers the possibility of discussing flexible working options and the potential for responsibilities to evolve based on business needs and individual experience, fostering a supportive and adaptable work environment.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The company actively promotes an inclusive workplace and encourages diverse talent, offering support for reasonable adjustments throughout the application and interview process.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Hands-On & Data-Driven: This role is ideal for those who enjoy practical, laboratory-based work combined with a strong analytical approach. Proficiency in DoE (Design of Experiments), structured data capture, and basic modeling/visualization is crucial.
• Formulation Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of fabric wash liquid formulations, including surfactants, enzymes, builders, polymers, and rheology modifiers, is a core requirement. Continuous learning in this area is expected.
• Process & Scale-Up Acumen: The ability to seamlessly transition formulations from bench-scale to pilot and full-scale manufacturing is paramount. Understanding batching, mixing, and viscosity control is essential.
• Resilience and Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with evolving business needs requires a resilient and agile mindset. You should be comfortable managing multiple projects with clear timelines and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ownership and Safety: A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and a safety-first mindset (adhering to GLP/COSHH principles) are fundamental attributes for success in this role.
• EU Regulatory Nuances: While a nice-to-have, prior experience within the EU Home Care or Personal Care sector and familiarity with regulatory workflows and claim substantiation will provide a significant advantage.

This Product & Processing Technologist role presents a fantastic opportunity to develop a well-rounded career in R&D within the consumer goods industry. If you are a curious, proactive, and delivery-focused individual with a passion for developing innovative and compliant products, this position is certainly worth exploring for your career advancement.