For some, there’s a typical image that comes to mind when the Chemicals industry is mentioned. Often, it’s thoughts of a large-scale lab, filled with people in white lab coats handling bubbling beakers. Or possibly an industrial plant with silvery-grey tanks full of hazardous chemicals. 

Perhaps it’s due to the fun we had in science at school, or the representation of chemicals that we see in the media that creates this somewhat simplistic, almost stereotypical view of the sector, when in fact it is one of the world’s most important and dynamic, and the people within it are critical to helping us and the planet evolve and adapt to the latest global trends and challenges.  

With this in mind, and to give a broader, fairer perspective, in this article we have compiled a list of some of the roles within chemicals that, to those outside of the industry at least, perhaps go under the radar, to highlight the importance of them and the potential career pathways they can provide to those with the skills needed to make an impact.  

Chemical Analysts 

Chemical Analysts examine the properties and purity of key elements and materials and have a vital role in ensuring quality, improving safety and driving performance in chemical manufacturing industries. 

They conduct laboratory tests to detect composition, contaminants, measure concentrations, and confirm suitability for various applications, using advanced tools including spectrometers and chromatographs. In addition to their analytical work, they record results and share findings with R&D teams, engineers and regulatory bodies, supporting product improvement and reducing risks of failures or recalls. Their expertise is essential for upholding quality and reliability in the chemicals industry. Learn more about what an analytical chemist does here. 

Typical Skills, Qualifications & Experience required:  

  • Degree in chemistry or materials science  

  • Strong analytical and reporting skills  

  • Experience handling hazardous substances safely  

Potential Career Path:

Chemical Analysts have the potential to progress into roles such as Quality Managers, Analytical Managers, or Subject Matter Experts in various analytical techniques. 

Environmental Engineers 

Environmental Engineers are tasked with assessing and managing the environmental impact of chemical processes and products. Their responsibilities include evaluating emissions, waste management, and water usage to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability targets, and conduct site assessments, perform risk analyses, and oversee the implementation of pollution control measures.  

Additionally, Environmental Engineers collaborate with production teams to develop and implement eco-friendly practices, recommend improvements to reduce resource consumption, and help design systems that minimise negative effects on the environment. Their work often involves liaising with regulatory authorities, preparing environmental reports, and leading initiatives to achieve net-zero goals, making them key contributors to the industry's transition towards greener operations. Read about initiatives creating sustainability in the chemicals industry. 

Typical Skills, Qualifications & Experience required: 

  • Degree in environmental science, chemical engineering, or related field  

  • Knowledge of environmental legislation and chemical testing  

  • Strong communication and data interpretation skills 

Potential Career Path:

Opportunities for qualified, experienced Environment Engineers include roles in government agencies, consultancy firms, or sustainability leadership positions within chemical companies. 

Materials Handlers 

Responsible for the safe disposal and documentation of unused or hazardous chemicals, Materials Handlers are critical to maintaining safety and compliance. They are tasked with receiving, storing, and transporting chemical substances within facilities, ensuring that all materials are handled according to strict safety protocols.  

Key tasks for Materials Handlers include labelling, segregating, and tracking inventory, reducing the risk of cross-contamination or accidental exposure. They also coordinate closely with laboratory staff, production teams, and environmental officers to ensure that chemicals are stored in appropriate conditions, emergency procedures are followed, and regulatory requirements are met at all stages of handling. Their diligence helps prevent workplace accidents, supports environmental stewardship, and ensures that the company meets both internal policies and external legal standards. 

Typical Skills, Qualifications & Experience required: 

  • Vocational training or certifications in hazardous material handling  

  • Attention to detail and safety awareness  

  • Basic chemistry knowledge 

Potential Career Path:

Qualified, proven, and experienced Materials Handlers can progress into logistics management, health and safety roles, or chemical storage and transport coordination. 

Green Chemistry Specialist (Emerging Role) 

As environmental challenges expand and evolve, Green Chemistry is becoming a rapidly growing sector globally. Green Chemistry Specialists are at the heart of the industry and meeting its demands, tasked with designing chemical processes and products that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances. Their work involves researching and implementing sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, focusing on minimising environmental impact throughout the lifecycle of a product.  

Green Chemistry Specialists collaborate with research and development teams to introduce eco-friendly raw materials, optimise reaction conditions for energy efficiency, and innovate new methods in catalysis and biodegradability. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, such as REACH regulations, and often engage with regulatory bodies to help shape industry standards and promote safer manufacturing practices. Additionally, by advocating for circular economy principles, they contribute to both environmental protection and the long-term competitiveness and growth of the chemicals sector. 

Typical Skills, Qualifications & Experience required: 

  • MSc or PhD in chemistry with a focus on green chemistry or sustainability  

  • Knowledge of circular economy and life cycle analysis  

  • Experience in catalysis and biodegradable materials 

Potential Career Path:

Working in specialist green chemistry roles could lead to careers in product development, environmental consultancy, sustainability leadership and policy advisory roles that could have a direct impact on meeting global environmental objectives.  

Digital Process Analyst (Industry 4.0 Role) 

By helping to integrate digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence into chemical manufacturing processes, and designing, implementing, and monitoring data-driven production systems, Digital Process Analysts have an increasingly important role in enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. Their work enables effective, efficient analysis of process data to identify bottlenecks, optimise workflows, and support predictive maintenance, which helps to minimise downtime and energy usage.  

Through close collaboration with engineers, IT specialists, and plant operators, they also drive the roll out of automation solutions, development of digital twins, and ensure that new technologies align with regulatory standards and sustainability goals. By leveraging real-time analytics and advanced modelling, Digital Process Analysts enable chemical companies to make smarter, faster decisions that drive both operational excellence and environmental performance. 

Typical Skills, Qualifications & Experience required: 

  • Degree in chemical engineering, data science, or industrial automation  

  • Experience with process modelling software  

  • Understanding of chemical production workflows 

Potential Career Path:

From the role of Digital Process Analysts, there is potential to progress into digital transformation lead positions, innovation managers, or CTO roles in chemicals organisations. 

Chemicals Career Opportunities & Outlook 

The UK chemicals industry supports over 500,000 jobs and pays significantly above the average manufacturing wage, and with global trends favouring sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation, niche roles are expanding rapidly.  

Looking beyond our shores, internationally demand is rising for specialists in hydrogen economy, advanced materials, and water purification technologies, with a variety of new, developing roles offering potential for global mobility, high-impact work, and long-term career growth. 

Hidden careers in the chemicals industry offer a wealth of opportunity for those willing to look beyond traditional roles. Whether you're a recent graduate or a highly experienced professional seeking a new challenge, these positions provide meaningful work, competitive salaries, and the chance to shape the future of science and sustainability.