Applied Chemistry Manager
Entity:
Technology
Job Family Group:
Job Description:
Who we are
Fuels & Low Carbon Technology (F&LCT) is a global organization of more than 300 technologists, scientists, and engineers who develop pioneering solutions across bp’s Fuels, Refining, Bioenergy, and Hydrogen businesses. The organization also supports bp’s wider Technology function through innovation management, modelling, digital science, and academic research partnerships—providing the scientific and engineering foundation that enables bp’s low carbon and operational ambitions.
Within F&LCT, the Bioenergy & Hydrogen Technology (B&HT) team focuses on crafting and scaling technologies that unlock bp’s low carbon growth. The team advances pathways across bioenergy, biogas, SAF, hydrogen, and novel feedstocks, while working closely with bp businesses to ensure solutions meet real operational and commercial needs. B&HT plays a central role in crafting bp’s technology direction for today’s energy needs as well as the energy transition by driving innovation from early-stage concepts through deployment ready solutions.
Job Purpose and primary objectives:
The Applied Chemistry Manager is responsible for crafting and managing the applied chemistry team. In addition to leading a team of lab-based scientists, the Post Holder will be encouraged to work across multiple interfaces to ensure business needs are being met and to develop new opportunities for applied chemistry to contribute to the bp strategic framework across fuels (including biofuels), SAF, biogas, feedstocks, hydrogen, oil and gas, and cross cutting low carbon initiatives.
This role reports to the Senior Manager, Physical Sciences.
Key responsibilities include:
Delivery of safe and compliant experimental operations and support of an HSSE culture.
Accountable for the management of the portfolio in sophisticated chemistry:
Lead the development of research programmers for molecules of interest to bp. Responsible for the development of research programmers passionate about heterogeneous catalysts for the development of novel molecules and processes.
Develop, manage, and deliver the Team’s annual programmer according to resources and priorities.
Effective team management and ensuring a healthy talent pipeline to meet current and future business needs.
Performance management, including efficient technology project management, reliable experimental operations, and the bring together of intellectual property.
Work closely with business technology colleagues to appraise new process / product options, identify fundamental needs in chemistry and catalysis and deliver/transfer results and insights to meet these needs.
Management, as required, of relevant Academic Collaborations and other third-party relationships.
Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
10+ years of professional experience.
PhD in Chemistry with a strong grasp of underlying fundamentals of catalysis chemistry, organic chemistry, and electrochemistry.
Prior demonstrated experience in early scaling of new catalysts and/or molecules.
A record of strong scientific and team leadership along with a demonstration of effective communication skills and a consistent record of decision-making and appropriate risk-taking.
Ability to shape and lead the chemistry strategy for larger programmes.
A firm grasp on risk analysis and safety principles.
Strong networking and influencing skills, and ability to manage delivery of multiple projects across multiple interfaces.
Desirable criteria and qualifications:
Professional standing preferred such as: Chartered Chemist (CChem), FRSC, or equivalent.
A strong grasp of computational chemistry with digital proficiency.
Experience with lab automation including robotics and AI.
Experience collaborating with business leaders to appraise new process / product options and identify results and insights to meet their needs.
Management of academic collaborations.
Management of third-party collaborations.
Travel – up to 25%.
About bp
Our purpose is to deliver energy to the world, today and tomorrow. For over 100 years, bp has focused on discovering, developing, and producing oil and gas in the nations where we operate. We are one of the few companies globally that can provide governments and customers with an integrated energy offering. Delivering our strategy sustainably is fundamental to achieving our ambition to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner!
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Additional Information
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Travel Requirement
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Legal Disclaimer:
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.
If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.
