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Location

Preston, Lancashire | United Kingdom

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Job description

The core responsibility of the Preston R&D team is to develop polymeric intermediates that enhance Sika’s product portfolio across the UK within sealants, adhesives, and coatings. The team works closely with other Sika R&D teams based around the UK to deliver improved product performance as well as sustainability initiatives. R&D is a key component in Sika’s aim to be a driver of the transformation of the construction and manufacturing industry towards net zero.

Alongside product development, the R&D team play a key role in process optimization and operational support to ensure Sika is an efficient and sustainable manufacturer of high-performance products.

The Opportunity:

• Develop polymers and small molecules for use in sealants, adhesives, and coatings.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure safe and efficient manufacture.
• Lead short-/medium-/ and long-term projects from the laboratory through to production.
• Collaborate with peers and colleagues working across Sika UK as well as the global business.

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

• Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays
• 37.5 hours a week with the flexibility of core working hours
• Core Hours are 10 till 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you, with option to add family
• Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
• Global Income Protection (PHI)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

The Support:

You will receive one to one training initially from colleagues but the whole team are always happy to help. The team prides itself on a strong basis of openness and support where successes and mistakes are freely exchanged.

There is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one, through internal training and skills development.

The Skills:

We are keen to speak to individuals with the ability to effect change and lead projects within R&D. We want someone who has a strong self-drive towards product development and maintenance.

Good project management and organisational skills are required to maintain progress over multiple projects running in tandem.

The Future:

Potential Career Routes: Team Leader, Project Leader, R&D Manager. Many individuals with R&D knowledge are highly desirable in other parts of the business including Product Management roles, Quality Management, and other technical-related areas.

Our links to the corporate business also mean opportunities to live and work abroad are possible in the future.

Your expertise - Our strength

• Degree educated in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related subjects. PhDs are highly desirable.
• An ideal candidate for this position would have previous experience working in the development of sealants, adhesives, and coatings.
• Previous industrial experience required (at least 2+ years, ideally 5+); PhD. candidates will be considered with less if previous research experience is technically relevant.
• We want to see your passion and drive to achieving the best results possible, and the willingness to challenge those around them.

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 9.3 billion in 2021.

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Job tags

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Salary