Senior Nutraceutical R&D Leader — Innovation & Growth

RBW Consulting; Widnes; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

RBW Consulting in Widnes is seeking an experienced Senior R&D Manager to lead the development of nutraceutical products and steer innovation strategy within a fast-paced commercial environment.

You will manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, collaborate with customers and cross-functional colleagues, and ensure projects meet regulatory requirements while driving growth and strategic influence across the business.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in nutraceuticals, food supplements, functional foods, or related sectors.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical or R&D teams.
• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading product development projects from concept through to launch.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build credibility with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• Scientific degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with vitamins, minerals, botanicals, functional ingredients, or health supplements.
• Knowledge of UK and EU nutraceutical regulations.
• Experience within a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of up to 10 R&D professionals.
• Drive the end-to-end development of nutraceutical and health supplement products.
• Manage multiple innovation and product development projects simultaneously.
• Act as the key technical contact for customers and clients, building strong long-term relationships.
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams.
• Identify market trends, emerging ingredients, and innovation opportunities.
• Support business growth through new product development and customer-led projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Present technical information confidently to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

R&D management

Stakeholder management

Product development

Project management

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Team building

Education

Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry or related field

Job description

RBW Consulting in Widnes is seeking an experienced Senior R&D Manager to lead the development of nutraceutical products and steer innovation strategy within a fast-paced commercial environment.

You will manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, collaborate with customers and cross-functional colleagues, and ensure projects meet regulatory requirements while driving growth and strategic influence across the business.