R&D Director in Woking

Join Fernox, a leading manufacturer of water treatment chemicals and energy‑efficient products, as the R&D Director. In this role you will implement the global R&D and innovation strategy, driving development of differentiated, sustainable, and commercially viable technologies that align with our long‑term growth objectives.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for all technical aspects of new product development and existing technologies across chemistry, engineering, digital innovation, technical services, and laboratories.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Work closely with Product Management to deliver the end‑to‑end innovation process from ideation through to commercialization.
• Prioritize projects based on technical feasibility, customer value, and commercial impact.
• Implement robust stage‑gate processes, project management and KPIs to track progress and ROI.
• Collaborate with Strategic Marketing and Product Management to translate customer insights into R&D priorities.
• Define and execute a global R&D roadmap aligned with Fernox’s strategic pillars.
• Engage directly with key customers and partners to co‑develop solutions and validate prototypes in real‑world environments.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, academic collaborations, and start‑up partnerships that accelerate innovation.
• Represent Fernox in external innovation ecosystems, consortia, and technical forums such as HHIC/BEAMA Water Treatment Group.
• Ensure protection of intellectual property through patents and trade secrets.
• Maintain compliance with global regulatory standards and certifications relevant to product development.
• Close collaboration with Operations to ensure design for manufacture is fit for purpose.
• Oversee the technical services function to support product application, troubleshooting, and customer training.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to translate technical insights into service offerings and support tools.
• Drive continuous improvement and capability building within R&D and technical services to enhance customer satisfaction and product performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of R&D experience in the HVAC sector or equivalent.
• Degree‑level education in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary teams and driving portfolio improvement.
• Strong innovation management skills and strategic thinking.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven project management experience using agile product management techniques.

Core Competencies

• Deep technical expertise in chemistry, materials science, or engineering (preferably water treatment or HVAC‑related).
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance long‑term vision and short‑term delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing complex R&D portfolios.
• Agile product management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance‑related bonus scheme.
• Matched pension up to 8% of base salary.
• Private medical insurance, life insurance, and cash plan.
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
• Team‑work culture with continuous improvement focus across global teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state, and local laws.