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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic R&D team in sustainable chemistry.
- Company: Join a growing organisation focused on innovative, sustainable technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hands-on role with flexible lab and office work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product innovation and commercialisation strategies.
- Qualifications: MSc or higher in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with extensive R&D management experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, early-stage environments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
R&D Leadership Opportunity - Sustainable Chemistry
Technology is at the core of this growing, sustainability-focused organisation, with the Research & Development team playing a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge products to market. The team has scaled significantly over the past year and will continue expanding in 2025 to support ambitious commercial goals. Reporting into the executive leadership (CTO), this position will take on the day-to-day leadership of the polyol R&D programme, overseeing a team of approximately 5 direct reports, while also mentoring other technical leaders and supporting key strategic initiatives across R&D. Given the hands-on nature of the role, the successful candidate will be lab and office-based 3-4 days per week. This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership group at a transformative point in the company’s journey, with high impact on product commercialisation and innovation strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Line management and development of a high-performing R&D team.
- Mentoring of technical leadership group.
- Overseeing robust work plans aligned to business, customer, and engineering needs.
- Supporting team leaders in implementing commercial R&D tools and project delivery.
- Shaping and delivering technical strategy in partnership with senior leadership.
- Managing and evolving the IP portfolio in alignment with business goals.
- Contributing to R&D budget planning and optimisation of ROI.
- Driving structured R&D processes and data management best practices.
- Collaborating with lab management to ensure operational readiness and innovation capacity.
Ideal Candidate Profile
You thrive in a dynamic, early-stage environment and enjoy the challenges and variety that come with it. You’re pragmatic, strategic, and passionate about leading and nurturing high-impact teams. You bring a blend of deep technical knowledge and commercial R&D experience, with the ability to bridge innovation and delivery.
Requirements:
- MSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Extensive experience managing and developing R&D teams in a commercial setting.
- Proven background in industrial R&D project management within the chemical sciences.
- Familiarity with stage-gate processes and customer-focused project delivery.
- Experience with strategic patent filing and portfolio development.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to shape technical strategy.
What’s on Offer
Be part of a mission-led company developing game-changing sustainable technologies.
Director of Research Development employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Research Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainable chemistry field. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends and innovations in sustainable chemistry. Being well-versed in current developments will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing R&D teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or mentored others, as this role heavily focuses on team development and strategic initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing products and their impact on sustainability. Understanding their portfolio will allow you to align your vision with theirs and showcase how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Research Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in R&D leadership, particularly in sustainable chemistry. Emphasise your management skills and any successful projects you've led that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable technologies and your strategic vision for R&D. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage complex projects.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your technical knowledge in chemistry or chemical engineering, as well as your experience with project management and patent filing. Use examples to illustrate how these skills have contributed to past successes.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Describe your approach to mentoring and developing teams in your application. Provide examples of how you've fostered innovation and collaboration in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Director of Research Development position.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Research Development, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed R&D teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your deep technical knowledge in chemistry or chemical engineering. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those that involved innovative solutions or commercial R&D.
✨Understand the Company's Vision
Research the company's mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their innovative strategies.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the role's emphasis on shaping technical strategy, think about how you would approach strategic planning and project delivery. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with stage-gate processes and how you've implemented them in previous roles.
