Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a hands-on R&D team to innovate and develop high-performance products.
- Company: Join a Bradford-based engineering firm focused on cutting-edge manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, a pension, life assurance, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing, niche engineering business with a strong heritage.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical, Civil or Materials Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel to customer sites and collaborate across teams.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
White Label is exclusively representing an engineering and manufacturing business based in Bradford that require a passionate and practical R&D Manager to join their team. The R&D Manager will lead the Research & Development function, driving innovation and overseeing the development of high-performance products. The role is central to shaping my client’s future product strategy and strengthening their market presence. My client is offering a salary of £45,000 - £55,000 + car allowance plus:
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Pension
- 36.25 hours per week
- Life assurance and more
Responsibilities of the R&D Manager:
- Leading a small, hands-on R&D team to deliver new product development projects from concept through to launch.
- Managing and improving existing product ranges to ensure compliance with industry standards and approvals.
- Supporting technical testing, including structural analysis and FEA.
- Writing technical specifications and reports for both internal teams and external partners.
- Liaising with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to align product development with market needs.
- Driving product improvements through new materials, cost savings, or performance enhancements.
- Ensuring delivery of projects on time while supporting continuous improvement across quality, efficiency, and innovation.
- Travel to customer sites as and when required.
Experience required of the R&D Manager:
- Strong background in product development in a mechanical, structural or construction discipline.
- Degree qualified in Mechanical, Civil or Materials Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of experience, with at least 1 year managing or mentoring others.
- Strong technical understanding of materials like castings, steel, fasteners, or cold-formed parts would be advantageous.
- Confident communicator who can contribute to cross-functional meetings, especially with Sales and Operations teams.
This position is ideal for someone looking to make a real impact in a niche, engineering-led business with strong heritage and growth ambition.
This vacancy is being managed by Paul Smith. Apply now for immediate consideration.
R&D Manager employer: White Label Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
White Label Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into the company or role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in product development, especially in mechanical and structural engineering. Being knowledgeable about current innovations can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've driven innovation or improved processes, as this will be crucial for the R&D Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing product range and any recent developments. This will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their future product strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly in mechanical, structural, or construction disciplines. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific projects that showcase your ability to drive innovation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for R&D. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their product strategy.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to detail your technical understanding of materials and any relevant software or tools you are proficient in. This will show your capability to manage and improve existing product ranges effectively.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since the role requires liaising with various stakeholders, include examples in your application that demonstrate your strong communication skills. Highlight experiences where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at White Label Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As an R&D Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong background in product development. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on your technical understanding of materials and engineering principles relevant to the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing a small team, share examples of how you've successfully led or mentored others in previous positions. Discuss your approach to fostering innovation and collaboration within your team.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
The position requires liaising with various stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with sales, operations, and external partners to align product development with market needs.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions about how you've tackled challenges in past projects. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've driven product improvements or resolved compliance issues, showcasing your ability to think critically and innovatively.
