R&D Project Lead — Cross-Functional Innovation

Kinisla; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Matched pension 10%

Benefits platform

Employee assistance policy

Job summary

Kinisla is seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager in Ireland to lead complex, high‑impact projects across our R&D portfolio. You will partner with senior leaders, technical specialists and cross‑functional teams to turn ambition into delivery, from mobilisation through implementation and close‑out.

You will build integrated plans, manage risks and dependencies, report to stakeholders concisely, and drive timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex cross‑functional projects in food/FMCG/manufacturing environments.
• Strong planning, governance, risk management and financial awareness.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex information into actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple strategic R&D and innovation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring clear scope, governance, milestones and accountabilities.
• Build and maintain integrated project plans covering resources, budgets, risks, interdependencies and critical paths.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Commercial, Finance and external partners.
• Facilitate effective governance meetings and provide concise, transparent reporting to key stakeholders.
• Identify risks and delivery barriers early, drive mitigation actions and escalation issues with clear recommendations.
• Manage changes to scope, timing and resources through disciplined assessment and decision-making.
• Ensure technical learning, decisions and project documentation are captured to support robust handover, scale-up and commercialisation.
• Strengthen project management capability by embedding consistent tools, standards and ways of working across the portfolio.
• Build trusted relationships and create an environment of accountability, collaboration and constructive challenge.

Skills

Cross-functional project leadership

Governance & risk management

Stakeholder influence

Planning & scheduling

Communication & facilitation

Structured pragmatic approach

R&D/food industry experience

Education

PMP / PRINCE2 or equivalent certificate

Job description

Kinisla is seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager in Ireland to lead complex, high‑impact projects across our R&D portfolio. You will partner with senior leaders, technical specialists and cross‑functional teams to turn ambition into delivery, from mobilisation through implementation and close‑out.

You will build integrated plans, manage risks and dependencies, report to stakeholders concisely, and drive timely decisions.