Research And Development Manager

E3 Recruitment; Bradford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

E3 Recruitment is seeking an experienced R&D and innovation leader to drive the UK research and development activities from concept to commercial application. You will oversee the UK R&D laboratory, resources, and budget, collaborating with global stakeholders to translate ideas into practical products.

The role requires a strong scientific background, proven leadership of technical teams, and the ability to deliver data-driven development programmes with high standards of quality and

Qualifications

• Requires a strong scientific background in chemistry or related field.
• Proven ability to lead product development and technical teams.
• Experience translating research into commercial, scalable solutions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead UK R&D and innovation portfolio, prioritising milestones, resources and deliverables.
• Collaborate with Technical Director to turn strategy into focused development programmes.
• Develop formulation and platforms to support current performance and future growth.
• Coordinate with regional teams to improve manufacturing performance and market readiness.
• Maintain robust technical documentation and ensure compliance and traceability.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Budget management

Education

Chemistry degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced R&D and innovation professional to take the lead on our UK research and development activities. This is a key role responsible for progressing new product concepts from early-stage development through to commercial application.

You will lead the non-glove technical and innovation programme, bringing together scientific knowledge, project leadership and commercial awareness to deliver solutions that meet both customer and business requirements.

You will be responsible for UK laboratory resources, facilities, budgets and technical capability, while working collaboratively with global technical, operational and commercial stakeholders to ensure ideas are translated into practical, scalable products.

Key Responsibilities of the R&D Manager:

• Lead and manage the UK R&D and innovation portfolio, setting priorities, milestones, resources and deliverables in line with business objectives and agreed budgets.
• Work closely with the Technical Director to convert the overall innovation strategy into focused development programmes, technical capabilities and appropriate standards.
• Develop and strengthen formulation and technical platforms that support current product performance while creating opportunities for future growth.
• Collaborate with regional Technical and Operations teams on product enhancement programmes, improving manufacturing performance, consistency, quality and market readiness.
• Establish a more data-driven R&D approach, ensuring technical information is accurate, accessible and effectively used to guide development activity and investment decisions.
• Manage the UK R&D laboratory, including technical staff, facilities, equipment and delivery against agreed service and performance KPIs.
• Maintain robust technical documentation, development records and product information, ensuring appropriate standards, compliance and traceability are maintained.
• Provide technical support to Commercial and global customer-facing teams, helping to develop tailored technical programmes and supporting strategic customer and key-account opportunities.
• Lead, develop and motivate the technical team, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement and strong technical standards.
• Manage the budget, ensuring expenditure, resources and investment remain aligned with business priorities and deliver appropriate value.

About You:

You will be an experienced professional with a strong scientific background and proven ability to lead product development and technical teams.

You will ideally have:

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Science or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong experience in formulation development.
• Previous experience leading and developing technical or Research teams.
• Demonstrable success managing research projects from initial development through to implementation and commercialisation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and apply data to technical and commercial decisions.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and people within a scientific or technical environment.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across Operations, Commercial and wider business functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• A practical and commercially focused approach to innovation, with the ability to transform technical ideas into viable products and solutions that create tangible value for customers and the wider business.