30/09/2026

R&D Operations Coordinator, Reports to: R&D Manager

Location: Hainault

About the opportunity

We are looking for an organised, proactive and detail focused R&D Operations Coordinator to join the Research & Development team. The role is responsible for coordinating the administration and progression of key R&D activities, including LSRs, NDDPs, product and colour development, customer quality actions and departmental records. You will work closely with R&D, QC, Materials, Purchasing and other departments to ensure activities are accurately recorded, effectively coordinated and progressed within agreed timescales. The role also includes responsibility for apprentices administration and day-today mentoring, supporting apprentices with workload planning, record keeping, development objectives and communication with managers, mentors and training providers.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the logging, tracking and progression of LSRs and NDDPs, ensuring accurate records and timely follow-up.

• Provide administrative and coordination support to the R&D team and wider department.

• Maintain records relating to product and colour development, including samples, colour standards and development documentation.

• Coordinate QC requests for product control plan reviews and support the tracking of customer quality actions and 8D responses.

• Provide administrative support for OEM and customer product/colour development activities.

• Support Quality Management Systems, audits and continual improvement activities.

• Track and progress agreed actions arising from Product & Market and management review activities.

• Manage administration of Hainault inter-site raw material and finished goods transactions, maintaining accurate stock records.

• Prepare and maintain R&D reports, statistics and management information.

• Coordinate apprenticeship administration, training records, reviews and communication with training providers.

• Provide practical day-to-day mentoring and support to apprentices, helping them develop effective workplace skills and behaviours.

What we are looking for

• Experience in a chemical, coatings, manufacturing or technical environment is desirable.

• Knowledge of R&D processes or basic coatings technology.

• Experience of technical administration, project/development tracking or Quality Management Systems.

• Experience supporting apprentices, trainees or junior employees.

• Experience of stock, materials or inter-site transaction administration.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in supporting the effective operation of R&D, while working across the wider business and contributing to product development, quality, continuous improvement and the development of our apprentices.

If you are highly organised, enjoy working with people across different departments and are looking for an opportunity to make a real contribution, we would welcome your application.

Interested?

Please submit your CV and a brief expression of interest to HR:

Lina- lina.bytautiene@fcsonneborn.com

Collette - collette.young@fcsonneborn.com

Closing date: 23/10/2026

This vacancy is open to internal & external applicants. The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive, and

additional duties may be assigned where required. The successful applicant must work safely and comply with all Company health, safety and environmental procedures.