Company Overview

Our client is a Davidson Prize-winning advanced polymer additives and compound company making patented nano-material based additives for use in optics, agricultural and packaging polymers markets with a key focus on sustainability and innovation. The technology is built on years of research and validated across multiple sectors for its measurable energy and environmental impact.

The company is well funded having completed a Series A and is and is scaling rapidly, with existing products sold in fifteen countries on five continents.

Job Description

Reporting to the CTO The Head of Technology will lead the development, processing, and testing of new innovations for the new polymer compounding and masterbatch lab being established in London. This senior role requires someone who is experienced with polymer compounding development, not only initiating design of development campaigns, but also linking commercial and production aspects as well.

The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive the evolution of developed materials from concepts to commercial polymer products. The Head of Technology will be responsible for research, development, optimization, technical leadership, and comprehensive understanding of complex polymer additive and compound systems, their industrial processing requirements, and their interactions with light and environmental factors.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

• PhD (or advanced qualification) in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or related field, with minimum 5 years of relevant experience
• Proven track record in product development and commercialization in polymer/materials industries
• Demonstrated experience in scaling products from laboratory to commercial production
• Experience leading technical teams and managing complex R&D projects
• Expert knowledge of characterization techniques including UV-Vis and FTIR Spectroscopy, Mechanical Testing, DSC, TGA, and other analytical methods
• Deep understanding of polymer processing, additives, optical materials science, and polymer
  chemistry
• Extensive experience with industrial-scale manufacturing and processing considerations
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards for commercial materials
• Understanding of supply chain management and commercial manufacturing process

Leadership & Business Skills:

• Proven leadership experience with ability to mentor and develop junior team members
• Strong project management skills with experience managing budgets and timelines
• Strategic thinking capability with experience in business development and commercialization
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for technical and executive audiences
• Entrepreneurial mindset with outstanding organizational and analytical abilities
• Experience in IP development and technology transfer activities
• Fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel internationally for business development and partnership activities
• Experience working in international markets and cross-cultural business environments