Senior R&D Chemist

We are currently looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our Research & Development team in Wimborne as a Senior Chemist. We are offering this position on a full time, on site basis.

As our Senior Chemist, you will play an important role in developing and improving our products, leading formulation projects from concept through to launch and supporting the continued evolution of our paint portfolio.

Working within our Research & Development team, you will balance innovation, sustainability, quality and cost to deliver products that meet our performance standards while supporting wider business and sustainability objectives.

What we expect from you as a Senior Chemist

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product development and product improvement projects from initial concept and formulation through testing, scale up and introduction into production.

• Develop and optimise paint and coating formulations, balancing product performance, quality, sustainability, regulatory requirements and commercial considerations.

• Evaluate existing and emerging raw materials, including pigments, fillers, extenders, resins, polymers, waxes, emulsions, surfactants and rheology modifiers.

• Identify and evaluate sustainable raw materials and technologies that can improve environmental performance while maintaining product quality and commercial viability.

• Support sustainability objectives through formulation development, raw material selection and product optimisation, considering areas such as VOCs, carbon impact, renewable content and material efficiency.

• Carry out and interpret formulation and performance testing, including colour, viscosity, scrub resistance, opacity, blocking, tannin blocking and other relevant paint and coatings testing.

• Use technical data and structured experimentation to identify opportunities to improve product performance and resolve formulation challenges.

• Identify opportunities for formulation simplification, value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising quality or performance.

• Provide technical expertise and input into product, manufacturing and raw material risk mitigation activities.

• Develop strong relationships with suppliers to identify innovative and more sustainable raw materials, evaluate alternative materials and support supply continuity.

• Maintain accurate laboratory records and support the development and adoption of digital laboratory and data management systems.

• Support high standards of laboratory health and safety, including COSHH requirements and chemical inventory management.

• Clearly communicate technical findings and recommendations to colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders across the wider business.

• Maintain awareness of developments in coatings technology, sustainability, legislation and raw materials, identifying opportunities relevant to Farrow & Ball.

Key Attributes

• A degree, master's qualification or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.

• Strong practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas e.g., formulation and emulsion chemistry, functional and durable coatings, bio-based polymer/additives and an understanding of how different raw materials interact to influence product performance.

• Experience within paints, coatings or a related formulation environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Knowledge of materials such as emulsions, surfactants, pigments, resins, polymers, silicates, fillers, extenders, waxes and rheology modifiers used in paint formulation would be beneficial.

• Demonstrable experience of delivering formulation or product development projects from concept through development and implementation, with the technical capability to take ownership of projects at Senior Chemist level.

• Experience of new product development, product improvement, cost optimisation or sustainability focused formulation projects.

• An understanding of sustainable product development, environmental regulations, VOC requirements, carbon impact or sustainable raw material selection would be advantageous.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

• Good data recording and management skills, with confidence working with laboratory management systems and digital tools.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, powerpoint.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to present technical information to a diverse range of stakeholders.

• The ability to build effective supplier relationships and confidently discuss technical requirements, new technologies and alternative raw materials.

• A collaborative approach with the ability to apply technical expertise while working effectively across different teams and functions.

What you can expect from us

• 25 days' annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays

• Annual salary reviews based on individual performance

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

• Generous staff discount on Farrow & Ball products

• Access to our retail discounts platform

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support

• Health Cash Plan

• Company Sick Pay

• Group Pension Scheme, matched by Farrow & Ball

• Life Assurance

• Refer a Friend scheme

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Season Ticket Loans for travel

At Farrow & Ball, we are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our people, with the aim of being truly representative of all sections of society and our customers. Applicants will be considered based on their skills and experience.