From a foundation in chemistry to a career shaped by collaboration, innovation and global impact, Ailie Ross has built her journey at CCL Design on curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to step beyond the lab. Recently promoted to Product Development Manager, Ailie plays a key role in connecting technical expertise with customer and commercial needs, helping to shape both products and strategy.
After studying an MSc in Chemistry with Drug Discovery at the University of Strathclyde, Ailie gained early experience in the pharmaceutical industry through an industrial placement in Oxford, working on the development of diabetes treatments. While her time in pharmaceutical R&D provided valuable insight, it also helped her realise she was better suited to a role offering greater variety and broader scope.
In 2010, she joined Worldmark (now CCL Design) as a Development Chemist in Materials Science, beginning what has become a 16-year career with the business. Over the years, Ailie has progressed through several roles, including Lead Development Chemist and Technical Service Manager, expanding her expertise across technical development, customer engagement, and commercial collaboration. Today, as Product Development Manager, she sits at the intersection of innovation and customer needs, ensuring solutions are both technically robust and commercially effective.
Ailie’s role reflects the dynamic nature of CCL Design, where no two days are the same. Her work involves coordinating global teams, managing customer projects, overseeing laboratory testing, and translating complex results into clear technical reports. Alongside this, she works closely with marketing to develop supporting materials such as technical data sheets, product guides, and customer-facing documentation, ensuring products are communicated as effectively as they are developed.
While Ailie finds it difficult to single out one favourite project, she is particularly motivated by complex challenges that require problem-solving and collaboration across teams. These projects not only deliver meaningful customer outcomes but also build a deeper understanding of the business and its capabilities.
Looking ahead, Ailie is focused on increasing her influence over product portfolios and innovation direction. She is particularly interested in strengthening the link between technical development, marketing, and customer-facing activities, ensuring that innovation is aligned with both market demand and strategic goals.
Reflecting on her journey, Ailie’s advice to her younger self captures the mindset that has guided her career: you don’t need to have everything mapped out. Being adaptable, willing to learn, and confident enough to share your ideas is far more important than striving for perfection.
Like many at CCL Design, Ailie’s story highlights the value of embracing opportunity, building cross-functional relationships, and remaining open to change. It’s not just about developing products; it’s about solving problems, working with people, and continuously evolving along the way.