Senior R&D Manager Nutraceuticals

RBW Consulting; Widnes; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RBW Consulting is seeking a Senior R&D Manager to lead a nutraceuticals R&D function in Widnes. You will drive development of new products, shape innovation strategy, and manage an up-to-10-strong team in a fast-moving commercial environment.

You will collaborate with customers, manufacturing, quality, regulatory and supply chain to deliver commercially successful innovations and ensure timely delivery within budget and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Significant nutraceuticals/functional foods experience.
• Proven leadership of R&D teams.
• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder management.
• Experience leading end-to-end product development.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• Scientific degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Team development

Customer facing

Education

Science degree (Food/Nutrition/Chemistry)

Job description

Senior R&D Manager - Nutraceuticals

Location: Widnes, Cheshire

Working Pattern: Site-based with some flexibility for hybrid working

Shape the Future of Nutraceutical Innovation

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior R&D Manager to join a growing and innovative nutraceutical business based in Widnes. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of new products, drive innovation strategy, and manage a talented R&D team within a fast-paced commercial environment.

As Senior R&D Manager, you will play a pivotal role in bringing new nutraceutical products to market, collaborating closely with customers, commercial teams, manufacturing, quality, and external stakeholders to deliver commercially successful innovations.

The Role

• 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

About You

We are looking for a commercially aware R&D leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent people management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience within 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

Desirable

• 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

What's On Offer?

• Opportunity to lead a high-performing R&D function
• Strategic role with significant influence across the business
• Innovative and growing nutraceutical organization
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear opportunity to make a lasting impact on future product innovation