Head of Technical & Operations - Lubricants, Additives, Petrochemicals

Head of Technical & Operations

£75,000–£90,000 + performance bonus

UK home-based | Regular attendance in Blackburn | UK & international travel

Cranleigh STEM is recruiting a Head of Technical & Operations for an established lubricants business serving international automotive markets.

Reporting to the CEO/Board and joining the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll take ownership of product quality, technical governance and the end-to-end supply chain.

This is a hands-on role within a small team, suited to someone equally comfortable approving formulations, negotiating with manufacturing partners and keeping production, stock and customer orders on track.

The role:

• Manage third-party blending partners, production scheduling and supplier performance.
• Lead sales and operations planning, inventory management, order fulfilment and logistics.
• Control procurement and product costs, improving margins and supply resilience.
• Oversee formulations, batch release, testing, regulatory compliance and technical documentation.
• Maintain industry specifications and support OEM approvals and new product development.
• Provide technical support and training to customers, distributors and commercial teams.
• Contribute to business strategy and improve operational processes.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related science.
• At least eight years’ experience in lubricants, additives or petrochemicals, spanning technical/quality and supply chain or operations.
• Experience managing third-party blenders or toll manufacturers.
• Knowledge of API/ACEA specifications, OEM approvals, PDS/SDS and CLP/REACH requirements.
• Strong commercial awareness, supplier negotiation skills and confidence using ERP/inventory systems.
• A proactive, organised approach and the ability to work independently within a small team.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel internationally.

The package:

£75,000–£90,000 depending on experience, annual performance bonus, 5% employer pension contribution, private medical insurance and 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.

Interested? Contact Gareth at Cranleigh STEM for a confidential discussion or send your CV to apply.

#Lubricants #TechnicalLeadership #Operations #SupplyChain #Chemistry #CranleighSTEM