R&D Manager – Scientist / Chemist
Chemistry Equipment
Are you a passionate and experienced leader in research and development, with a background in chemistry and laboratory technologies? This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovative chemistry equipment.
About the Role
We are seeking an R&D Manager to lead a small multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, driving the development and improvement of cutting-edge chemistry equipment. This is a hands-on role where you'll contribute as a Senior Scientist, offering guidance on product development while managing strategic product initiatives.
You’ll thrive in a dynamic environment, collaborating with technical experts to create innovative tools that advance chemical research.
Key Responsibilities:
* Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire an R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
* Project Management: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery.
* Strategy: Drive the strategic Product Development Programme, aligning projects with market demands.
* Product Transition: Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, ensuring smooth transitions from development to production.
* Scientific Guidance: Act as a Senior Scientist, providing expertise in product development and aligning projects with customer needs.
* Industry Engagement: Build networks through conferences, customer visits, and exhibitions, sharing insights and driving innovation.
* Testing & Quality: Oversee product testing processes, ensuring alignment with performance expectations and quality standards.
* Intellectual Property: Support IP and patent portfolio maintenance to protect technological innovations.
* Innovation: Identify collaboration opportunities, emerging technologies, and in-licensing or acquisition prospects to enhance the product portfolio.
About You
You’ll have a strong background in chemistry, product development, and people management, with a passion for creating innovative solutions.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* At least 5 years of management experience, with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
* 10+ years’ experience in a scientific or laboratory environment.
* Degree in chemistry, biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
* Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and the drug discovery process.
* Knowledge of process development, scale-up chemistry, and laboratory instrumentation.
* Experience in project management, prototyping, and experimental design.
* Familiarity with patents and intellectual property processes.
* Basic understanding of mechanical engineering and CAD.
* Proven ability to evaluate and implement emerging technologies.
Key Attributes:
* Positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with excellent problem-solving skills.
* Clear and confident communicator, comfortable presenting ideas to stakeholders at all levels.
* Enthusiastic and genuinely interested in science and technology.
* Well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to see projects through to completion.
* Hands-on approach and willingness to engage in practical work.
What We Offer
* Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
* Competitive salary with a discretionary annual bonus.
* Flexible working hours and remote working options.
* Five weeks of annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Pension contributions.
* Regular company updates and social events.
* Supportive, inclusive, and diverse workplace environment.
* Well-being initiatives and sustainability programs.