Director of Research Development

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and sustainability-driven organization is seeking a Director of Research Development to lead their R&D efforts in sustainable chemistry. This pivotal role involves managing a dynamic team, overseeing R&D projects, and shaping technical strategies to drive product commercialization. With a hands-on approach, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in mentoring team leaders and ensuring alignment with business goals. Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of sustainable technology, where your leadership will significantly impact innovation and operational excellence.

Benefits

Mission-led company

Opportunity to develop sustainable technologies

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing R&D teams in a commercial environment.
• Proven background in industrial R&D project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing R&D team focused on sustainable technologies.
• Shape technical strategy and manage the IP portfolio.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Team Development

Technical Knowledge in Chemistry

Commercial Awareness

Education

MSc in Chemistry

MSc in Chemical Engineering

Job description

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Director of Research Development, Manchester

Client: Jackson Hogg

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 13.04.2025

Expiry Date: 28.05.2025

Job Description:

R&D Leadership Opportunity - Sustainable Chemistry

Technology is at the core of this growing, sustainability-focused organisation, with the Research & Development team playing a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge products to market. The team has scaled significantly over the past year and will continue expanding in 2025 to support ambitious commercial goals.

Reporting into the executive leadership (CTO), this position will take on the day-to-day leadership of the polyol R&D programme, overseeing a team of approximately 5 direct reports, while also mentoring other technical leaders and supporting key strategic initiatives across R&D.

Given the hands-on nature of the role, the successful candidate will be lab and office-based 3-4 days per week. This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership group at a transformative point in the company’s journey, with high impact on product commercialisation and innovation strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Line management and development of a high-performing R&D team.
• Mentoring of technical leadership group.
• Overseeing robust work plans aligned to business, customer, and engineering needs.
• Supporting team leaders in implementing commercial R&D tools and project delivery.
• Shaping and delivering technical strategy in partnership with senior leadership.
• Managing and evolving the IP portfolio in alignment with business goals.
• Contributing to R&D budget planning and optimisation of ROI.
• Driving structured R&D processes and data management best practices.
• Collaborating with lab management to ensure operational readiness and innovation capacity.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You thrive in a dynamic, early-stage environment and enjoy the challenges and variety that come with it. You’re pragmatic, strategic, and passionate about leading and nurturing high-impact teams. You bring a blend of deep technical knowledge and commercial R&D experience, with the ability to bridge innovation and delivery.

Requirements:

• MSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Extensive experience managing and developing R&D teams in a commercial setting.
• Proven background in industrial R&D project management within the chemical sciences.
• Familiarity with stage-gate processes and customer-focused project delivery.
• Experience with strategic patent filing and portfolio development.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to shape technical strategy.

What’s on Offer

• Be part of a mission-led company developing game-changing sustainable technologies.