Director of Research & Development
Director of Research & Development

Director of Research & Development

Full-Time 80000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cento

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global R&D strategy and oversee innovative product development.
  • Company: Multinational organisation with a focus on technology and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and global impact opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with occasional international travel for exciting collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while leading high-performing teams.
  • Qualifications: Senior R&D leadership experience and strong project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.

The Role

  • Provide strategic leadership for a global Research & Development function within a multinational organisation.
  • Set and deliver product and technology development strategy aligned to business objectives.
  • Lead all new product development and product improvement programmes across multiple regions.
  • Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and consistency across international R&D teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee delivery of complex, regulated technology products from concept through release.
  • Define project priorities, success criteria, budgets, timelines and resource plans.
  • Drive innovation, quality, and continuous improvement across R&D processes.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead, develop and retain high-performing, multi-disciplinary R&D teams.
  • Own R&D budget planning, control and reporting.
  • Present development outcomes to senior stakeholders and external forums as required.

About You

  • Senior R&D or Engineering leader from a multinational, matrix-structured organization.
  • Proven track record delivering complex product development programmes on time and on budget.
  • Strong experience managing geographically dispersed technical teams.
  • Commercially aware, with the ability to align innovation to market and business needs.
  • Confident communicator with the credibility to influence at executive level.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Degree in Engineering, Electronics, Product Design or related discipline.
  • Postgraduate qualification and/or professional accreditation desirable.
  • Significant experience leading R&D functions in electronics, safety-critical or regulated industries.
  • Strong knowledge of product development lifecycles, testing and validation.
  • Experience with project and programme management methodologies.

What’s Offered

  • Senior leadership role with global impact.
  • Opportunity to shape long-term product and technology strategy.
  • Competitive remuneration and benefits.
  • Supportive, values-driven working environment.

Director of Research & Development employer: Cento

As a Director of Research & Development at our multinational organisation based in Kent, you will thrive in a supportive and values-driven environment that champions innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive remuneration and benefits, alongside significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to lead high-performing teams on a global scale, making a meaningful impact on product and technology strategies.
Cento

Contact Detail:

Cento Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Research & Development

✨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 can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products thoroughly. Understand their R&D strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered successful projects. We believe that demonstrating your ability to drive innovation and manage diverse teams will set you apart from the competition.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Director of Research & Development role!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Research & Development

Strategic Leadership
Product Development Strategy
Project Management
Innovation Management
Regulatory Compliance
Team Leadership
Budget Planning and Control
Stakeholder Communication
Technical Team Management
Market Awareness
Product Development Lifecycles
Testing and Validation
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Research & Development role. Highlight your leadership in R&D, project management, and any relevant industry experience to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led successful product development programmes and how you can drive innovation at StudySmarter.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a senior leader, your ability to communicate effectively is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've influenced stakeholders and led teams. We want to see your confidence and clarity come through in your writing!

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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cento

✨Know Your R&D Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in research and development, especially in regulated industries. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's goals and how you can drive innovation.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, as this is crucial for a global role like this one.

✨Be Budget Savvy

Understand the financial aspects of R&D. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and resources effectively in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the financial responsibilities that come with the position.

✨Communicate with Confidence

Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. You’ll need to present outcomes to senior stakeholders, so being able to influence at an executive level is key. Think about how you can convey complex information in a straightforward way.

Director of Research & Development
Cento

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