COAT YOUR FUTURE: CAREERS IN THE COATINGS INDUSTRY
We’re looking for the next generation of innovators, visionaries and pioneers. Join us:
THE FUTURE IS COATED: DISCOVER YOUR CAREER PATH
Have you ever wondered how your phone keeps its glossy finish, or why cars can withstand years of rain without rusting away? The secret lies in coatings! The coatings industry plays a huge role in protecting, enhancing and extending the life of the things we use every day.
From the paint that brightens up our homes and offices, to the advanced finishes on cars, airplanes and even your trainers, coatings make our world more durable, colorful and functional. They don’t just improve appearances, they shield materials from wear and tear, corrosion, heat and even bacteria.
Coatings are everywhere, often working behind the scenes in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare and manufacturing. Whether it’s the protective layer on a bridge, the weatherproofing on outdoor furniture, or the scratchresistant surface on your phone screen, coatings help the products around us last longer, look better and perform more reliably.
INDUSTRIAL AND POWDER COATINGS
DECORATIVE PAINTS
PRINTING INKS WALLCOVERINGS
The coatings industry opens the door to a wide variety of career paths, welcoming people with skills and interests in science, engineering, business, design and much more. It’s a field where curiosity and creativity meet real-world impact. Whether you’re fascinated by developing the next generation of sustainable materials, excited about working with cutting-edge technologies, or motivated by bringing innovative products to market, there’s a place for you in coatings.
From research scientists formulating sustainable paints, to engineers designing protective layers that keep airplanes safe, to business professionals helping industries adopt greener solutions, the opportunities are as diverse as the people who pursue them. Careers in coatings also span across global industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing and consumer goods, meaning your work can touch millions of lives every single day.
Choosing a career in coatings isn’t just about having a job; it’s about being part of a sector that protects what matters, makes products last longer and contributes to a more sustainable future. No matter your background or passion, the coatings industry offers the chance to build a rewarding career while shaping a brighter, more resilient world.
Leah Elvin
leah.elvin@bcf.co.uk
Careers Coordinator
Shape the future of sustainability and innovationJoin the coatings industry! Explore exciting job listings, career resources, and industry insights at the Coatings Careers Hub.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Formulation Chemist
A formulation chemist in the coatings industry is responsible for developing and optimising surface coating formulations to meet specific performance, aesthetic, environmental and regulatory requirements. They develop new coatings formulations based on desired properties such as durability, gloss, drying time, adhesion, and resistance to weather or chemicals before conducting laboratory testing and scale-up trials. This role combines chemistry expertise with creativity and problem-solving to design innovative and effective coating products for a wide range of applications, from decorative paints to industrial and automotive finishes.
Average salary - £29,100 / year
Laboratory Technician
The Laboratory Technician plays a key role in research, development, and quality control by conducting experiments, preparing samples, and recording accurate results. Working under the guidance of chemists or lab managers, technicians help ensure that products meet strict specifications and regulatory standards. This role is ideal for someone curious, detailoriented, and methodical, with a passion for science and problem-solving.
Average salary - £23,730 / year
Polymer Technologist
The Polymer Technologist specialises in the development, testing and optimisation of polymer-based materials that form the backbone of paint and coating formulations. By conducting laboratory testing to evaluate polymer performance, including film formation, adhesion, flexibility and resistance properties, they ensure that coatings have the desired properties such as durability, adhesion, gloss, and chemical resistance. They play a vital role in innovation, sustainability, and performance enhancement.
Average salary - £25,000 - £38,000 / year
Colour Technician
A Colour Technician is responsible for developing, matching, adjusting and testing colours in paints and coatings to meet precise customer specifications and quality standards. This role requires a keen eye for colour, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of pigments, formulation, and colour measurement technologies.
Average salary - £28,000 / year
Application Specialist
An Application Specialist in the coatings industry is a technical expert acting as the link between sales, R&D, and the customer. Active across sectors such as automotive, construction, packaging and industrial coatings, they support clients in the proper application, optimisation, and troubleshooting of coating products. Their role involves conducting pilot trials, demonstrations, and on-site interventions, as well as training customers and internal teams through guides, documentation and best practices. They also work closely with R&D to improve formulations based on customer feedback.
Average salary - £25,000£34,000 / year
SUSTAINABILITY AND REGULATORY
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
The Regulatory Affairs Specialist monitors, interprets and implements chemical regulations such as REACH, CLP and other applicable legislation. They also ensure that all products are correctly classified, labelled and packaged according to legal and customer requirements. They act as the interface between the company and regulatory authorities, facilitating product approvals, maintaining compliance throughout the product lifecycle and supporting crossfunctional teams with regulatory guidance.
Average salary -£38,144 / year
Health, Safety and Environment Manager
The HSE Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining health, safety and environmental policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements and promote a safe workplace. They develop and enforce company HSE policies, procedures and best practices, for example by reporting on HSE performance metrics and recommending improvements. They play a key role in risk prevention, employee training, and fostering a culture of safety and sustainability.
Average salary - £46,435 / year
Circular Economy Expert
The Circular Economy Expert leads the design and implementation of strategies that enable sustainable resource use, waste reduction and closed-loop systems across the company’s operations and value chain. This role combines expertise in sustainability, industrial ecology, and innovation to drive business transformation towards circular models. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, partners, and stakeholders to identify opportunities for circularity, improve product lifecycles, and support the transition to lowimpact, regenerative business practices.
Average salary - £23,000 - 32,000 / year
R&D Chemist – Sustainable Formulations
An R&D Chemist in Sustainable Formulations develops innovative, sustainable paints and coatings that meet performance standards while minimising environmental impact. The role involves researching, designing, and optimising formulations using renewable materials, low-VOC technologies, and greener production methods, ensuring compliance with regulations and consumer expectations. Combining technical chemistry expertise with creativity and problem-solving skills, the chemist drives sustainable innovation by integrating green chemistry principles into highperformance products.
Average Salary: £29,729 / year
Life Cycle Assessment Specialist
A Life Cycle Assessment Specialist analyses the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Using a systematic approach guided by standards, they evaluate resource use and emissions at each stage, gathering data on inputs like energy and materials, as well as outputs such as greenhouse gases. By providing these data-driven insights, they help organisations understand their environmental footprint and make informed decisions about product design, material selection, and end-of-life management to promote more sustainable choices.
Average salary - £39,879 / year
Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist
A Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist ensures that the sourcing, production, and distribution activities within the coatings industry align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This role involves analysing data, assessing supplier practices, and driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact, improve transparency, and support responsible sourcing across global operations. They monitor and evaluate the sustainability performance of suppliers, raw materials, and logistics partners. They also champion the integration of ESG criteria into procurement and supply chain decision-making.
Average salary -£33,300 / year
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
Process Development Engineer
A Process Development Engineer in the coatings industry is responsible for designing, optimising, and scaling up the production processes used to manufacture paints, coatings, and surface treatments. They develop, test and optimise manufacturing processes for coatings products, including paints, varnishes and specialty finishes.
This role ensures that formulations developed by the R&D department can be efficiently and safely produced at scale, while meeting quality, environmental, and cost targets.
Average salary - £34,347 / year
Process Scale-up Engineer
A Scale-Up Engineer is a common role in chemical, pharmaceutica and advanced materials industries. They are responsible for translating laboratory or pilot-scale processes into full-scal commercial manufacturing operations. They bridge the gap between R&D and production, ensuring that processes are efficient, safe, cost-effective and compliant with regulatory and quality standards. This requires a strong understanding or chemical engineering principles and a problem-solving capacity.
Average salary - £49,000 / year
Supply Chain Planner / Demand Planner
The Supply Chain Planner manages the end-to-end planning of materials and products to ensure optimal inventory levels, timely delivery, and efficient production schedules. They develop procurement plans based on sales forecasts and inventory levels and then, monitor supply chain performance and adjust plans to address delays or disruptions. They coordinate with suppliers, production, and logistics teams to balance demand and supply, minimising costs and meeting customer expectations.
Average salary - £39,590 / year
Procurement Manager
The Procurement Specialist is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing the goods and services the company requires. They work closely with internal teams to understand needs, secure favourable prices, contracts, and delivery terms, and ensure optimal value in terms of quality, cost, and timeliness. In addition, they maintain strong supplier relationships and contribute to overall supply chain efficiency.
Average salary - £36,050 / year
Materials Planner
A Materials Planner ensures the right raw materials (such as pigments, resins, solvents, and additives) are available at the right time and quantity to meet production needs. This role is essential for avoiding delays, minimising inventory costs, and supporting efficient manufacturing processes in the coatings industry. They coordinate with suppliers, procurement teams and warehouse staff to ensure timely material availability. Then, they monitor inventory levels and production schedules to plan material
Average salary - £31,000 - £37,000 / year
Warehouse Manager
The Warehouse Manager oversees the efficient receipt, storage, and dispatch of goods, managing all warehouse operations while ensuring health and safety compliance. They lead warehouse staff, optimise inventory management for accuracy and availability, and streamline layouts and processes to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring performance and delivery targets are consistently met.
Average salary - £29,354 / year
ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING
Production Technician
A production Technician operates and monitors manufacturing equipment to ensure the safe, efficient and highquality production of goods. By setting up and monitoring production machinery and equipment, they play a key role in maintaining continuous production flow, troubleshooting issues, and adhering to safety and quality standards.
Average salary - £25,343 / year
Maintenance Engineer
The Maintenance Engineer in the coatings industry ensures machinery and equipment run smoothly and safely. They perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, and support production reliability and quality. Working closely with production and R&D teams, they help maintain optimal conditions for mixing, coating, and curing processes, gaining hands-on experience with advanced industrial equipment.
Average salary - £37,513 / year
Quality Assurance Manager
The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for developing and implementing quality management systems to ensure that products meet regulatory, customer and internal standards. They lead quality teams, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement to maintain high levels of product reliability and customer satisfaction.
Average salary - £45,000 / year
SALES & MARKETING
Sales Representative (Technical)
The Technical Sales Representative promotes and sells products or services to existing and prospective customers, combining technical knowledge with strong communication skills. They build and maintain lasting customer relationships, understand client needs in depth, and provide tailored solutions that add real value. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with both clients and internal teams, stay updated on industry innovations, and contribute directly to business growth while developing expertise in technical products and solutions.
Average salary - £30,552 / year
Marketing and Communications Executive
The Marketing and Communication Executive supports the development and execution of marketing strategies and campaigns to boost brand awareness, generate leads, and support sales. They manage both digital and offline content, coordinate events, and ensure messaging is consistent with company objectives. This includes creating and managing content for websites, social media, newsletters, brochures, and other communication materials, helping the company connect effectively with its audience.
Average salary - £32,500 / year
Business Development Manager
The Business Development Manager drives company growth by identifying new opportunities, building strong client relationships, and expanding market presence. They prepare and deliver persuasive sales presentations and proposals, working closely with sales, marketing, and product teams to develop strategies that meet customer needs and achieve revenue targets. Their role focuses on cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with key customers and partners while contributing directly to the company’s success.
Average salary - £42,000 / year
BUSINESS OPERATION AND CORPORATE ROLES
Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager oversees all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee relations. Acting as a strategic partner to management, they ensure HR policies align with business goals while fostering a positive, compliant, and productive workplace. The role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and expertise in HR practices, labour law, and organisational development, enabling them to support employee growth, engagement, and overall company performance.
Average salary - £63,397 / year
IT Systems Engineer
The IT Systems Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the company’s IT infrastructure, ensuring reliability, security, and optimal performance. They support daily business operations and play a key role in driving digital transformation initiatives, working with teams to implement efficient, innovative, and secure technology solutions.
Average salary -£38,819 / year
Data – Market Intelligence Analyst
The Data & Market Intelligence Analyst collects, analyses, and interprets market and business data to support strategic decision-making. By transforming complex data into actionable insights, they help the company understand market trends, industry dynamics, customer needs, competitor behaviour, and opportunities for growth.
Average salary - £37,000 / year
CAREER PATHWAYS
JOB FAMILY EXAMPLE ROLES
ENTRY PATHWAYS
Manufacturing
Supply Chain
Production Operative Maintenance Engineer
Quality Assurance Manager
Apprenticeships:
Level 2/3 Lean Manufacturing Operative, Manufacturing Technician
Level 4/5 Process Leader, Manufacturing Engineer
Further Education:
BTEC/ T-Level in Engineering, Manufacturing or Industrial Science
University Pathways:
Degrees in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
Research & Innovation
Process Development Engineer
Process Scale-up Engineer
Supply Chain Planner / Demand Planner
Procurement Manager
Materials Planner
Warehouse Manager
Formulation Chemist Laboratory Technician
Polymer Technologist
Colour Technician Application Specialist
Level 3-6 Apprenticeships:
Supply Chain Practitioner, Logistics Operations, or Procurement.
Undergraduate degrees: BSc/BEng in Supply
Chain Management, Logistics & Transport
BSc in Business Management with Supply Chain
Chemical Engineering or Materials Science
Postgraduate Study: MSc in Logistics & Supply Chain Management or in Operations, Project Management or Procurement
Graduate Schemes in coatings companies (e.g. AkzoNobel, PPG)
Apprenticeships/Industrial Placements:
Level 2 Industrial Coatings Applicator
Apprenticeship
Level 3 Lab Technician/Science Technician
Level 6 degree apprenticeship in Chemical Science/Laboratory Scientist
Level 6 Chemistry Apprenticeship
Further Education:
BTEC in Applied Science or Engineering
A-Levels with Chemistry, Physics and Maths as key subjects.
University Pathways:
Degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Applied Physics, Surface Science
Graduate Schemes offered by large coatings manufacturers (e.g. BASF, AkzoNobel)
Postgraduate Level: MSc in Polymer Science & Engineering, Surface & Coatings Technology.
JOB FAMILY EXAMPLE ROLES ENTRY PATHWAYS
Technical Sales
Representative
Sales
Sustainability
Business Development Manager
Apprenticeships:
Level 2/3/4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship
Technical Apprenticeship with Sales Progression
Further Education:
BTEC in Business or Engineering
T-Level in Business & Admin or Science & Engineering
University Pathways:
Degrees in relevant fields: Business, Sales or Marketing
Chemistry or Materials Science
Engineering
Sandwich Degree with Placement Year
Graduate Schemes offered by the large coatings manufacturers
Health, Safety and Environment Manager
Circular Economy Expert
R&D Chemist - Sustainable Formulations
Life Cycle Assessment Specialist
Supply Chain
Sustainability Specialist
Apprenticeships:
Level 3 Environmental Conservation/ Sustainability Apprenticeships
Level 4 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
Practitioner
Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree
Apprenticeship
Level 7 Sustainability Business Specialist
Further Education:
BTEC National in Applied Science or Environmental Sustainability
T-Level in Environment, Science or Construction
A-Levels in subjects like Geography, Biology, Environmental Science, Economics, and Politics are strong foundations
University Pathways:
Degrees in Sustainability or Related Subjects
Degrees in related fields with a sustainability angle (engineering, business with renewables, CSR focus)
Sandwich Degree with Placement Year
Graduate Schemes in Sustainability offered by large organisations
Postgraduate Study: MSc in Sustainability, Climate Policy or Renewable Energy
Professional Doctorates/Research Roles
JOB FAMILY EXAMPLE ROLES ENTRY PATHWAYS
Head of Human Resources
Diversity Lead
Human Resources
Marketing and Communications
Learning and Development Manager
Apprenticeships:
Level 3
HR Support
Level 3 HR Support Early Career
Apprenticeship
Level 3 Human Resource Management
Apprenticeship
Level 4/5/6 more specialised apprenticeships
University Pathways:
Degree in HR/Business/Psychology/ Industrial Relations
CIPD-accredited degree courses
Professional qualifications like CIPD Levels, HR law, diversity and inclusion
Graduate/Entry Internships or Work
Placements
Commercial
Content Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Graphic Designer
Marketing Executive
Marketing Manager
Apprenticeships:
Level 3 Digital Marketer
Level 3
Marketing Assistant
Level 4
Public Relations and Communications Assistant
Social Media and Content Creation
Level 6-7
Marketing Executive/Manager
Further Education:
BTEC in Marketing/Business
T-Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
Information Technology
Data – Market Intelligence Analyst
IT/Software Technician
IT Manager
Apprenticeships:
Level 3-6 Apprenticeships in Cybersecurity, IT Support, Cloud Engineering or Software
Development
University Pathways:
BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or IT Management
BSc in Information Systems or Business IT
BSc in Cybersecurity, AI, or Data Science
Postgraduate Study: MSc in IT Management, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing
Graduate Schemes
