Innovation is the idea. R&D is what makes it real. This role is where the two come together.
For you, innovation isn’t just new thinking, it’s the ability to spot opportunities to do things better, faster, more intelligently, or with less risk. And R&D? That’s where those ideas are tested, shaped and turned into something real, structured, repeatable and ready to deliver.
You’re at your best in that space between concept and reality. Taking early-stage thinking, technical narratives or emerging ideas and building them into something tangible, something that works.
This is your opportunity to do exactly that.
What’s in it for you
This is a defining moment.
This role is the first dedicated R&D position. It’s designed not just to deliver innovation but to help build and shape the R&D function within Technology, Engineering & Innovation from the ground up.
You’ll have the rare opportunity to influence direction early, working across a global business to bring structure, clarity and momentum to innovation. You won’t just contribute to R&D, you’ll help define how it’s done.
You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, explore new technologies and play a visible role in shaping solutions that improve delivery, enhance client outcomes and strengthen capability across the business.
In a culture built on accountability, simplicity and support, you’ll have the space to grow your impact, develop your expertise and be recognised for the difference you make.
The impact you’ll have
This role is about conversion, turning ideas into something deliverable, structured and ready to scale. Your impact will come from your ability to:
Translate engineering concepts and ideas into delivery: taking early-stage concepts or technical narratives and converting them into clear scopes, structured work packages, backlog items and defined outputs
Bring clarity to complexity: defining requirements, QA and acceptance criteria, test approaches and validation evidence that allow ideas to move forward with confidence
Shape and lead R&D workstreams: guiding engineering initiatives from discovery through to prototype, validation and early deployment
Connect people and expertise: coordinating input across engineering, digital, systems and external partners to create cohesive, workable solutions
Enable repeatability and value: ensuring outputs are not just innovative, but practical, scalable and ready to be embedded into delivery
This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable thinking strategically and working at the detail, someone who can take ambiguity and turn it into structure, progress and outcomes.
The successful candidate can operate from any of our 4 UK locations, London, Manchester, Newcastle or Edinburgh. We operate a hybrid working policy across UK and Europe, 3 days in office and 2 days working from home every week.
Your next move
If you’re ready to help build something, shaping how innovation is turned into reality and want to play a key role in defining a growing R&D function, we’d like to hear from you.
Bring your curiosity, your technical mindset and your ability to make ideas happen.
R&D Technical Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Black & White Engineering
At Black & White Engineering, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Newcastle, Manchester, and London offices provide unique opportunities for professional growth, with access to cutting-edge projects in sustainability and emissions consultancy. We are committed to supporting our employees' development through continuous training and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Black & White Engineering Recruitment Team
