Technical Manager
Manchester
Permanent
We are working with a leading chemical manufacturing company. They are seeking a driven Technical Manager to oversee their New Product Development (NPD) and Quality Control (QC) departments, while providing expert technical direction across the business and to clients.
The Role
The Technical Manager will lead the technical strategy, driving product innovation from concept to commercialisation while ensuring full regulatory and quality compliance across operations.
QC and R&D Leadership. Lead the product innovation process alongside Commercial, Technical, and Operations teams, taking new chemical products from laboratory development through to full-scale production. Using Method Development skills and Organic Chemistry skills. Line management of the QC and R&D Personnel.
Quality Control & QA: Oversee the QC department (including direct management of the QC Manager), drive NCR root-cause analysis, manage KPIs, maintain ISO/GMP standards, and ensure lab equipment validation. Following FTR (First Time Right) methodologies.
Regulatory Compliance & Process Safety: Work closely with regulatory bodies (HSE, Environment Agency) to ensure adherence to COMAH and IPPC regulations. Collaborate with Process Safety & Engineering to maintain robust safety management systems.
Strategic Leadership: Support senior leadership in shaping long-term technical strategies, managing strategic goals, and mentoring a high-performing technical team (including the NPD Chemist and QC Manager).
Your Background
Experience: Proven track record in a senior technical role within chemical manufacturing, with expertise across both NPD and Quality Control environments.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of chemical industry compliance standards, including COMAH, IPPC, ISO, and relevant HSE regulations.
Leadership Skills: Demonstrated experience managing, coaching, and inspiring technical teams, with the ability to bridge commercial goals and technical execution.
Collaborative: Strong communication skills to liaise effectively with external regulatory authorities, internal site teams, and executive leadership.
Candidates must have the permanent right to work in the UK.