Research And Development Manager

Executive Recruit; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in cladding and façade solutions is seeking an R&D Manager to lead product innovation. This role focuses on enhancing sustainability, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing the full R&D lifecycle from concept to execution. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the construction sector, overseeing development of high-performance exterior systems.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading R&D functions in construction/facade industry.
• Deep understanding of cladding materials and building regulations.
• Experience in budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for product innovation and regulatory compliance.
• Manage R&D budget and drive sustainable design practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Material Knowledge

CAD Proficiency

Job description

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Direct message the job poster from Executive Recruit

Salary: £Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

About the Company

Our client is a UK-wide leader in specialist cladding and façade solutions, providing full-service expertise from concept design to precision manufacturing and on-site installation. With a commitment to delivering architecturally striking and high-performance exterior systems, the business works across a diverse range of materials to bring cutting-edge solutions to the built environment.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking R&D Manager to lead the research and development function, with a focus on continuous product innovation and performance optimisation. This is a pivotal role responsible for evolving the company’s product offering, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring full compliance with industry regulations. You will drive the development of new façade and cladding systems and refine existing products to meet emerging market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic R&D Leadership: Establish and embed a structured R&D process to take ideas from initial concept through to commercial launch.
• Product Innovation: Spearhead the design and development of next-generation cladding and façade solutions that align with modern architectural needs and sustainability targets.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyse product performance data, installation feedback, and maintenance trends to implement targeted improvements.
• Budget Oversight: Manage the R&D budget effectively, prioritising initiatives that deliver the highest return on investment.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and support the in-house R&D team, ensuring clear objectives and high-quality output.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside marketing, business development, and technical teams to identify market opportunities and shape product strategy.
• Supplier Engagement: Partner with the supply chain to evaluate new materials, improve manufacturing processes, and drive innovation.
• Sustainable Design: Champion the use of environmentally responsible methods, including recyclable and low-carbon materials.
• Compliance & Testing: Oversee rigorous testing across fire, acoustic, thermal, structural, and installation performance, ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory standards.
• Documentation & Technical Assets: Maintain comprehensive technical documentation and manage the CAD asset library to support design and marketing efforts.
• Regulatory Support: Assist finance and compliance teams with R&D tax credits and related reporting.

About You – Key Requirements

• Proven experience leading R&D functions, ideally within the construction or façade/cladding industry.
• Deep understanding of cladding and façade materials, with a strong focus on aluminium and complementary materials like timber, glass, steel, and composites.
• Sound knowledge of relevant building regulations, compliance testing protocols, and industry standards.
• Experience in budget management and delivering value-driven innovation projects.
• Confident leadership and mentoring capabilities, with strong project management and planning skills.
• Technically proficient in CAD and the preparation of supporting documentation.
• Skilled at building relationships across departments, and liaising with external stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research and Consulting

• Industries

  Construction, Construction Hardware Manufacturing, and Building Construction

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Executive Recruit by 2x

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Bramhall, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Manchester Area, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Bolton, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

Swinton, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 8 hours ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Manchester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.