Research and Development Technologist

Job DescriptionForbo Flooring as division of Forbo Group is a complex manufacturer of high-quality commercial and residential flooring with an extensive and attractive range of environmentally friendly linoleum, high-quality vinyl flooring & LVT, entrance flooring systems, carpet tiles, needlefelt and Flotex flocked flooring. With 15 sites across 26 countries and 3000 employees, the flooring division has 4 sites in the United Kingdom. Further information at http://www.forbo.co.uk/Location : Ripley, DerbyshireThe Ripley site produces a range of flocked floor coverings in sheet, tile and plank formats. With a manufacturing footprint of 12000sqm and a 9000sqm warehouse, Ripleys manufacturing processes include polyamide yarn cutting, dyeing, drying, electrostatic flocking, rotary and digital printing, backing application and final cutting/conversion. The Ripley site has ISO14001, ISO9001, ISO45001 and ISO 5001 (the first manufacturing site in the UK to achieve this) quality accreditations.The role:Were looking for a curious and driven R&D Technologist to join our close-knit team of three at our Ripley site, working directly with the Head of QA & Development for BU Textiles.In this full-time, hands-on role (36.5 hrs/week), you'll play a pivotal part in shaping the future of Flotex by leading raw material evaluations, supporting Flotex production and helping to solve production challenges, and developing new Flotex products and innovations.Key responsibilities for the position include:Ensuring safe working practices across lab and factory environmentsApplying expertise in colour theory, dyeing techniques, and colourfastnessEvaluating raw materials using knowledge of their properties and how they react to different processing conditionsSupporting production with problem solving, technical insights and guidanceOperating lab and pilot equipment with sound understanding of lab protocolsDriving R&D projects independently and collaboratively to meet deadlinesCommunicating effectively and use available tools to develop innovative textile solutionsUsing available resources to investigate, recommend and develop innovative products/ solutions and contribute to continuous improvementThe successful candidate must:Education: Have a science-based degree level or aboveTechnical Proficiency: Have a strong understanding of raw materials, R&D processes, and lab equipment, including safe lab practices and experimental designProject Management: Have project management experience and be skilled at planning, prioritising, and delivering R&D projects on time, often juggling multiple tasksCommunication: Deliver clear and effective communication in sharing ideas, writing reports, and collaborating across departmentsAttention to detail: Demonstrate precision in lab work, documentation, and quality control is essentialAnalytical thinking: Have the ability to interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and draw meaningful conclusions from experimentsInnovation mindset: Demonstrate curiosity and creativity to explore new ideas, develop novel solutions, and improve existing productsAdaptability: Be comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities and new challengesTeamwork and independence: Be able to work autonomously when needed, but also thrive in cross-functional teams utilising collaboration skillsIT: Have proficiency in Microsoft officeExperience in a manufacturing environment is preferableExperience in textile dying or colourist experience is preferableSalary: 47,000Bonus target: 1,880Fully site basedStakeholder Pension Scheme, with death in service benefit34 days holiday [including bank holidays]Cash plan SchemeOccupational Health provisionEmployee Assistance ProgrammeFree on site parking facilitiesTo apply, please forward on a cover letter explaining how you meet the above requirement along with a current CV detailing your current & expected salary/benefits package to Sarah McMasters, HR Business Partner (Ripley site) [[email protected]]

Created: 2025-07-03