Assistant Scientific Project Leader

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join a world leading global FMCG organisation, our client the leading powerhouse behind brands such as Persil, Domestos, Simple and Pantene are currently recruiting for an experienced Assistant Scientific Project Leader based at their prestigious Research & Development Facility in Port Sunlight, Wirral within hair design team. This is a temporary role for 6 months, to start ASAP. This position is paying between £25536 - £28373 per annum pro rata, depending on experience.

BACKGROUND

The Hair Category is a €5.9 Billion member of the Personal Care Business within the company, having a wide portfolio of Global Brands. The R&D team drives innovation across the globe.

The Assistant Technical Project Leader (ATPL) role is a key role in the Hair Design Team. This role works centrally, across multiple innovation projects and cross functional teams, providing project management support. The ATPL interfaces directly with formulation development, Processing, Packaging, Claims and Consumer Technical Insight (CTI) teams to deliver robust product solutions against Development Briefs.

MAIN JOB PURPOSE

Lead all the technical elements (e.g. - formulation, processing, packaging, consumer technical insight, specifications, patents, safety, & in some cases manufacturing) of technically-complex global projects.

Co-ordinate different R&D functions within innovation teams (Formulation, Process Eng., Packaging, Consumer Technical Insight, Specifications, Safety, etc.

Develop and execute IP strategy (patents, design registries, partnership agreements with suppliers)

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsible for shaping and agreeing, together with TPL and Marketing, the technical aspects of project brief.

Working either independently to lead innovations, or assisting the TPL on complex projects, as situation demands.

Early evaluation of technical feasibility (link with business case and technical capability)

Responsible for ensuring specifications of formulation, process, pack and Quality Assurance regimes are correct

Responsible for risk management, claims and legal compliance with local & regional requirements.

Responsible for intellectual property protection and patent, regulatory and safety clearance

Responsible for stakeholder management regarding technical issues/status.

Responsible for R&D section of decision gate documents.

Responsible for managing the R&D Budget for each assigned project or initiative.

Collaborate with global & regional colleagues and oversee the logistics of project activities, in line with accountability for delivering key activities and programme milestones.

Provide key input to meetings with business partners and collaborators, to communicate objectives, priorities and risks of the work programme as required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education to degree level or higher in a Science or Engineering discipline ideally or working experience with A levels.

Ability to demonstrate some Project Leadership and Management skills.

A working knowledge of the main science themes and the chemistry of product formulations and technologies.

Working knowledge of product performance attributes and how this relates to claims.

Previous work experience in R&D a plus.

Ability to work independently and also as part of wider x-functional team.

Self-motivated with resourceful problem-solving skills/practical creativity.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office are essential.