Research & Development Manager in Wimborne Minster

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced chemist to join our Research & Development team in Wimborne, as a Research & Development Manager. We are offering this position on a full-time, permanent basis, Monday - Friday.

Farrow & Ball are a luxury British lifestyle brand that prides itself in creating richly pigmented paint and handcrafted wallpaper, using print methods dating back 300 years and the finest quality ingredients. The unique Farrow & Ball look transforms modern and traditional homes, large and small, inside and out. Established in Dorset in 1946, we have grown over the last 80 years and now proudly have 60 showrooms worldwide with a global network of stockists. The key to our success is the people behind the paint: from the team handcrafting each tin to showroom staff to support functions, our shared passion ensures customers have a positive, engaging experience at every stage of their journey with us.

The Research & Development Manager is a unique and pivotal role in the development of high quality, premium paint and wallpapers Farrow & Ball are renowned for. This role leads the creation and improvement of products that meet strict performance, sustainability, and regulatory standards while supporting the brand’s global growth. Working closely with Production, Procurement, Commercial and wider Hempel Deco teams, the R&D Manager drives innovation, strengthens raw material and supply chain resilience, and ensures strong technical governance. Combining hands on expertise with effective leadership, the role continually improves product performance, efficiency and quality while maintaining a safe, compliant and well-run laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead short and medium term development of new products from concept through feasibility, formulation, testing, scaleup and launch, ensuring all performance, sustainability, compliance, production and cost impacts are fully evaluated.
• Coordinate research and development projects with clear objectives, deliverables and timelines, ensuring structured and efficient project execution.
• Monitor industry, regulatory and materials science trends to inform longer term innovation planning and identify new technologies, opportunities and risks.
• Utilise market insights and customer feedback to continually improve existing product performance and address quality or sustainability gaps.
• Work collaboratively with Hempel Deco teams in a matrix environment, sharing best practice and ensuring cross business alignment on innovation and product development approaches.
• Work collaboratively with the Procurement Team to ensure secure and resilient raw material supply.
• Identify, evaluate and implement alternative raw materials to mitigate supply, cost or performance risks.
• Develop and maintain mitigation strategies for materials where direct alternatives are not available.
• Work with Production to maintain accurate, current master formulation documentation and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high performing R&D team, ensuring clarity of priorities, strong technical capability and a motivated, engaged working environment.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation, ensuring transparency, clarity and strong alignment on technical decisions, project status and business impacts.
• Contribute to shaping business direction by providing clear technical insight, challenge and recommendations that support Farrow & Ball’s long-term growth and innovation strategy.
• Ensure high health & safety standards across the R&D laboratory, including completion and ongoing maintenance of risk assessments.
• Maintain accurate and auditable laboratory documentation, including test data, calibration records and project information.
• Manage the R&D budget effectively, ensuring optimal use of resources and alignment with business priorities.
• Prioritise R&D work programmes and allocate team and laboratory resources to maximise impact and delivery.
• Propose, justify and manage Capex for laboratory equipment and technology upgrades, ensuring investments support innovation, efficiency and long-term R&D capability.

Key Attributes

• Significant experience in R&D within coatings, chemical or related industries.
• Experience in innovation focused and quality driven technical or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading R&D projects from specification through to launch and handover to production.
• Demonstrated capability to lead teams, set priorities and plan multiyear work programmes aligned with business needs.
• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Paint Technology, or related fields.

What You Can Expect From Us

• 25 days’ annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary reviews, based on individual performance.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
• Generous staff discount on F&B products.
• Access to our retail discounts platform.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Company Sick Pay.
• Group Pension Scheme, matched by F&B.
• Life Assurance.
• Refer a Friend scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Season Ticket Loans for travel.

Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion

At Farrow & Ball we are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our people, with an aim to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers. Applicants will be considered for employment based only on skills/experience and never based off of race, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or family status, including pregnancy.