Witan Search is a UK-based specialist chemical recruitment agency trusted by leading manufacturers and innovators across the chemical and specialty materials sectors.
We help companies hire chemists, regulatory experts, operations managers, and technical sales professionals—connecting you to talent that understands both the science and the strategy.
Our placements achieve a 90 %+ 12-month retention rate and an average 14-day time-to-shortlist, giving you faster, more reliable hiring results.
Deep industry expertise in REACH, CLP, EHS and UK regulatory standards.
Access to passive candidate networks that never appear on public job boards.
Retention focus through rigorous screening and cultural-fit analysis.
Measured results with an average time-to-shortlist of 14 days, significantly faster than the UK industry average.
From entry-level laboratory chemists to senior commercial leaders, Witan Search recruits for every key function within the UK chemical sector:
What R&D Roles Do We Place?
Formulation Chemists • Process Engineers • Lab Managers
Who Hires Regulatory & EHS Specialists?
REACH/CLP Compliance • HSE Managers • Quality Leads
Operations & Leadership
Plant Managers • Operations Directors
Commercial & Technical Sales
Technical Sales Managers • Business Development • Key Account Managers
From global manufacturers to mid-sized innovators, chemical companies across the UK trust Witan Search to deliver talent that fits, technically and culturally. We’ve successfully placed candidates in key chemical hubs, including:
North West – Manchester, Liverpool
Yorkshire and the Humber – Leeds, Hull
West & East Midlands – Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester
South East – Oxfordshire, Surrey, Kent
South West – Bristol, Swindon
North East – Newcastle, Middlesbrough
Scotland – Glasgow, Aberdeen
Wales – Cardiff, Wrexham
We understand the nuances of local talent markets, regional salary benchmarks, and sector-specific skills availability, giving you the edge in a competitive hiring landscape. Whether you’re growing your team in a well-established industrial region or building capability in an emerging site, we connect you with high-calibre professionals ready to make an impact.
We recruit for a wide range of positions across the UK chemical sector, including R&D scientists, chemical engineers, production managers, regulatory affairs specialists, EH&S advisors, and technical sales professionals.
Specialist agencies like Witan Search understand the nuances of the chemical industry, including regulatory frameworks, niche skillsets, and safety standards. This expertise leads to better candidate matches and faster hiring outcomes.
Yes. We recruit for both technical and commercial roles across the chemical value chain – from laboratory and manufacturing to supply chain and business development.
We support chemical companies throughout the UK, including key industrial hubs such as the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Teesside, and the South East.
Absolutely. We partner with startups, SMEs, and global chemical brands, tailoring our search to the scale and requirements of each business.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the role and market conditions, but we aim to provide shortlisted candidates within 7–14 working days for permanent roles.
Yes. We offer discreet, executive-style search services for sensitive or senior-level chemical roles where confidentiality is essential.
We specialise in chemical and industrial recruitment, bringing deep market knowledge, technical understanding, and a network of highly qualified professionals across the UK and Europe.
Yes. While we are based in the UK, we also support chemical companies across Europe with cross-border recruitment and talent sourcing.
Real Results for Chemical Clients
Placed a Technical Sales Manager with a specialty additives supplier within 3 weeks
Filled 5 Production Technician roles for a personal care brand in Belgium with UK-based relocators
Delivered a longlist of Regulatory Affairs professionals for a REACH-compliance project
Every search is tailored, every shortlist precise.
Network Depth: Thousands of pre-qualified chemical professionals across R&D, manufacturing, and commercial roles.
Speed & Accuracy: Average time-to-shortlist is under 14 days.
Retention Focus: Our placements achieve a 90%+ 12-month retention rate.
Witan Search provides chemical recruitment services in the UK, including roles in R&D, compliance, operations, and sales. Explore our open positions or learn more about our chemicals sector expertise.
Witan Search supports chemical industry hiring across the UK, covering specialty chemicals, personal care, coatings, adhesives, lubricants and advanced materials.
For a broader global perspective on chemical recruitment trends, roles and hiring challenges, see our Chemical Recruitment Specialists hub.
