At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D to innovate and optimise cladding and façade solutions.
- Company: Join a UK leader in specialist cladding and façade solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, and excellent hybrid work benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a dynamic team and drive impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable design and product innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in R&D, especially in construction or façade industries required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: North West UK (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
About the Company
Our client is a UK-wide leader in specialist cladding and façade solutions, providing full-service expertise from concept design to precision manufacturing and on-site installation. With a commitment to delivering architecturally striking and high-performance exterior systems, the business works across a diverse range of materials to bring cutting-edge solutions to the built environment.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking R&D Manager to lead the research and development function, with a focus on continuous product innovation and performance optimisation. This is a pivotal role responsible for evolving the company’s product offering, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring full compliance with industry regulations. You will drive the development of new façade and cladding systems and refine existing products to meet emerging market demands.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic R&D Leadership: Establish and embed a structured R&D process to take ideas from initial concept through to commercial launch.
- Product Innovation: Spearhead the design and development of next-generation cladding and façade solutions that align with modern architectural needs and sustainability targets.
- Continuous Improvement: Analyse product performance data, installation feedback, and maintenance trends to implement targeted improvements.
- Budget Oversight: Manage the R&D budget effectively, prioritising initiatives that deliver the highest return on investment.
- Team Development: Lead, mentor, and support the in-house R&D team, ensuring clear objectives and high-quality output.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside marketing, business development, and technical teams to identify market opportunities and shape product strategy.
- Supplier Engagement: Partner with the supply chain to evaluate new materials, improve manufacturing processes, and drive innovation.
- Sustainable Design: Champion the use of environmentally responsible methods, including recyclable and low-carbon materials.
- Compliance & Testing: Oversee rigorous testing across fire, acoustic, thermal, structural, and installation performance, ensuring all products meet or exceed regulatory standards.
- Documentation & Technical Assets: Maintain comprehensive technical documentation and manage the CAD asset library to support design and marketing efforts.
- Regulatory Support: Assist finance and compliance teams with R&D tax credits and related reporting.
About You – Key Requirements
- Proven experience leading R&D functions, ideally within the construction or façade/cladding industry.
- Deep understanding of cladding and façade materials, with a strong focus on aluminium and complementary materials like timber, glass, steel, and composites.
- Sound knowledge of relevant building regulations, compliance testing protocols, and industry standards.
- Experience in budget management and delivering value-driven innovation projects.
- Confident leadership and mentoring capabilities, with strong project management and planning skills.
- Technically proficient in CAD and the preparation of supporting documentation.
- Skilled at building relationships across departments, and liaising with external stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research And Development Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cladding and façade materials. Understanding the innovations in sustainable design and performance optimisation will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and façade industry. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and industry leaders, which can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the R&D Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and how you've driven value in previous projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led R&D initiatives that resulted in successful product launches or improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any mentoring or team development experiences. The ability to lead and inspire an R&D team is crucial, so be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and innovation within a team setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Research And Development Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in R&D, particularly within the construction or façade/cladding industry. Emphasise your leadership skills and any successful projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for product innovation and sustainability. Mention specific examples of how you've led R&D initiatives and improved product performance in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Proficiency:Clearly outline your technical skills, especially your proficiency in CAD and any relevant software. This is crucial for a role that involves maintaining technical documentation and managing design assets.
Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration:Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other departments, such as marketing and business development, to drive product strategy and identify market opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit
✨Showcase Your R&D Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in leading R&D functions, particularly in the construction or façade/cladding industry. Highlight specific projects where you established structured processes and drove product innovation.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Materials
Familiarise yourself with various cladding and façade materials, especially aluminium, timber, glass, steel, and composites. Be ready to discuss how these materials can be used sustainably and innovatively in new designs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to building regulations and compliance testing protocols. Brush up on relevant standards and be ready to explain how you ensure products meet or exceed these requirements.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Illustrate your ability to work with different teams, such as marketing and technical departments. Share examples of how you've successfully identified market opportunities and shaped product strategies through collaboration.
