At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D team to develop innovative water dispensing products and ensure quality standards.
- Company: Borg & Overström, a leader in sustainable drinking water solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000, with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on product development and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in R&D management, strong leadership, and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic R&D Manager to lead our research and development team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the successful development of innovative, compliant, and manufacturable hot and cold water dispensing products. This role balances technical leadership with commercial and regulatory awareness, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all specification, quality standards and scalability requirements supporting Borg & Overström’s reputation for design excellence and reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and People Management: Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Product Development and Delivery: Ensure robust planning, resource assignment, and prioritization across mechanical, electrical, software, and testing functions.
- Lifecycle Management: Oversee Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) to ensure timely implementation and alignment with business priorities.
- Collaboration: Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Production, Operations, Technical Support, Customer Value Streams, and Portfolio Management to ensure seamless product introduction and continuous improvement.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Foster excitement and drive innovation aligned with the product roadmap strategy, ensuring a unified approach to product development.
- Quality and Compliance: Approve and track design verification and validation plans, ensuring they meet internal and regulatory expectations.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Proven leadership and people management skills, with at least five years of experience in a similar role.
- Strong communication abilities to ensure alignment across departments.
- Proficiency in CAD systems, project management systems, and enterprise systems.
- A proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented mindset.
- Able to influence, challenge constructively, and drive accountability in others.
- Strong understanding of compliance, risk assessment and design controls.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced SME or mid-sized manufacturing environment.
Success in This Role Will Look Like
- Consistent delivery of new products and lifecycle upgrades in line with the product strategy — meeting programme timelines, technical specifications, cost targets, quality standards, and scalability requirements.
- Measurable improvement in product reliability and in-field performance, reflected in reduced quality incidents, warranty claims, and reactive engineering workload.
- Clear, trusted ownership of the NPD process across the business, resulting in strong alignment between R&D, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, Operations, Customer Value Stream, and Technical Support teams.
- A confident, capable, and high-performing R&D organisation, with engineers who are well coached, engaged, technically disciplined, and consistently executing to common standards.
- Robust engineering governance, including effective design reviews, validation activities, and change control processes that support predictable delivery and smooth production handover.
- Increased confidence across internal stakeholders and external customers in Borg & Overström’s product development capability, technical leadership, and long-term range stability.
We're Borg & Overstrom, manufacturers of beautiful, sustainable filtered drinking water coolers and tap systems. Since the launch of our first water dispenser we have remained committed to delivering quality, market leading products coupled with excellent customer service.
Pay: Up to £60,000.00 per year
If this role excites you, then get in touch to find out more...
Research And Development Manager in Norwich employer: Borg & Overström
Borg & Overström is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and employee development within a collaborative and dynamic work culture. As a Research and Development Manager, you will lead a talented team in a fast-paced environment, with opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge product development that aligns with our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our supportive atmosphere encourages creativity and accountability, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research And Development Manager in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that R&D Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand Borg & Overström’s products, values, and recent developments. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about contributing to our mission of delivering quality and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive accountability, so make sure you highlight those experiences during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Research And Development Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on that showcase your ability to deliver innovative products on time and within budget.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product development and how your skills align with our mission at Borg & Overström. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of compliance and quality standards!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include your proficiency in CAD systems and project management tools. Mention any specific experiences where you’ve successfully led cross-functional teams in product development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borg & Overström
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Borg & Overström’s product range, especially their hot and cold water dispensing products. Understand their features, benefits, and any recent innovations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their product development goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential R&D Manager, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching, mentoring, and fostering innovation. Be ready to discuss how you would cultivate a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to product development, compliance, and lifecycle management. Brush up on your knowledge of CAD systems, project management tools, and regulatory standards. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will highlight your technical leadership capabilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve ensured alignment between departments like Quality, Supply Chain, and Production. This will demonstrate your ability to drive successful product introductions and improvements.
