Senior Formulation Manager
Duration
Indefinite
Location
Based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Purpose
Plant Impact currently has a range of products which include inorganic
fertilisers, biostimulants and pesticides and is looking to expand its formulation
chemistry capabilities. Based on crop physiology insights, the aim is to design
smart and effective formulations. The company is looking to appoint a
formulation chemist, with experience in inorganic chemistry, who can lead this
activity taking a hands on role. This will involve conducting work in, and
management of, a small pilot lab and the outsourcing of some activities. The
role will involve some work on existing products and the development of new
formulations.
Specific roles
Chemistry expertise: The Senior Formulation Manager should have good
&
knowledge of chemistry, with emphasis on inorganic and physical organic
responsibilities chemistry. The individual will be expected to help understand reactions that
might occur within formulations, and when they are tank mixed with other
products. This will involve working with the Supply Chain Manager if there are
problems with commercial batches, and working with the toll manufacturer to
find suitable formulation solutions.
New product development: Working with others in R&D to develop and
improve existing formulations so as to optimise efficacy, stability and continued
compliance with registrations and health and safety. The current technologies
are largely based on solutions of inorganic fertilisers, sometimes with the
addition of novel patented (or patent pending) actives or biostimulants. Plant
Impact also have a plant protection product which is oil based with the
incorporation of essential plant oils. Over time we may look to incorporate
different adjuvants and diversify and our formulation types (suspension
concentrates, wettable granules etc.), consequently a broad range of expertise
would be helpful. Working as part of a small team the individual will need to be
flexible and prepared to be hands on. Increasingly the role is likely to involve the
development of new formulations.
Management of pilot lab: Plant Impact has a pilot laboratory for basic
formulation development. The Senior Formulation Manager will take
responsibility for overseeing this facility, and utilise this for the development of
new formulations and in producing product samples for trials. New formulations
or packs will be tested for their stability and QC carried out. Management of this
facility will involve aspects of health and safety, and the ordering of raw
materials and equipment.
Management of external contractors: Plant Impact will still use external
laboratories for analytical testing and possibly for more complex formulation
development where additional expertise or facilities are required that are not
available in-house. As a result the Senior Formulation Manager will be a primary
point of contact for such studies and manage these external contractors.
Salary
Other
requirements
Commensurate with experience
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Must be authorised to work in the UK
Minimum of 10 years experience in a formulation chemist role.
Qualified at least to degree level (or equivalent)
Wide range of experience in different formulation types.
Good knowledge of inorganic chemistry and knowledge of physical
organic chemistry is desirable.
Prepared to be flexible and hands on in the laboratory.
Knowledge of EC fertilisers and other registration requirements would be
beneficial.
Have an understanding of the scale up of manufacture from laboratory,
through pilot to commercial production.
Good planning skills.
Excellent interpersonal communication, both written and verbal.
Ownership of problems through to completion.
Sense of urgency with ability to prioritise.
Strong team-working (player) across functions, cultures & geographies.
If you are interested in working for Plant Impact please contact recruiting@plantimpact.com or
telephone the office on 01582 465540.
About Plant Impact
A leader in plant science innovation, Plant Impact's products are used by growers to improve quality
and increase the marketable yield of a range of crops, in all regions of the world. Products are backed
by a robust research and development programme, managed from our base at Rothamsted,
Harpenden.
Our products are the ‘fourth pillar’ of crop production: supporting and enhancing the effects of
modern crop protection programmes, they deliver proven benefits not only to healthy crops but also
to those facing more challenging growing conditions. We recognise the global need to increase crop
yields and quality; our products are designed to support and achieve that objective.
Our robust research and development programme gives growers access to well-formulated,
technically-superior products that help plants perform better. We call it ‘Science for a Growing
Future’.
For further information please visit www.plantimpact.com
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