Research and Development Manager

• Develop R&D plans aligned with the company's strategy, incorporating sustainable practices into governance, team readiness, budgeting, and funding/claim planning.

• Collaborate with leadership team to align R&D initiatives with business strategy and ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations, standards, and safety guidelines.

• Negotiate research agreements, plan budgets and identify funding opportunities, including tax credits and grants.

• Align R&D projects with customer needs and market trends by working closely with the marketing and sales teams.

• Drive the development of new innovations while ensuring market needs and regulatory requirements are met.

• Develop and maintain a technology roadmap for advancing core technologies to maintain a competitive and sustainable edge.

• Source and manage relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, research organisations, and technology providers.

• Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering collaboration and innovation across the business.

• Set clear objectives, monitor progress, and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities for team members.

• Assess current systems, identify gaps, and implement improvements to enhance team readiness and drive sustainability in R&D operation.

• Utilise digital platforms for project management, capacity planning, tracking progress, capture expenditure, sustainability metric, and streamline reporting.

• Prepare and present regular reports on R&D activities and maintain thorough documentation for compliance and audit purposes.

• Develop KPIs to measure project success, including

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Science); advanced degrees preferred.

• 3+ years in R&D, with relevant management experience.

• Project management and R&D management certifications (e.g., PMP) are advantageous.

• Proficient in research methodologies, product development and sustainability-driven innovation.

• Proven leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, inspiring professional teams.

• Skilled in organising and managing multiple projects, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

• Capable of developing and executing long-term R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and sustainability goals.

• Focused on driving creative ideas from concept to implementation.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and data analysis capabilities.

• Effective in working with cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Familiar with relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry guidelines.

Morgan McKinley