Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D and new product development, driving innovation and project management.
- Company: Values-led organisation focused on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of innovative products.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in R&D leadership and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on sustainability and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Head of Research & Development to take ownership of all R&D and New Product Development activity for a growing, values-led organisation. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role suited to someone who excels in project and programme management, innovation governance, and end-to-end delivery. While this role sits at Head of Department level, it is not a large people-management position, instead, it focuses on leading R&D activity through coordination, influence, and cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will define and deliver the R&D and innovation strategy, manage the full R&D budget, and ensure that new products are taken from concept through to successful market launch in a structured, commercially focused way.
THE ROLE
- Own and manage the full R&D and NPD budget, ensuring effective resource allocation
- Define, implement, and evolve the R&D and innovation strategy aligned to business goals
- Develop and maintain multi-year product and technology roadmaps
- Establish clear governance, controls, and reporting frameworks for R&D activity
- Track and record R&D hours to a high standard to support tax reclaims
- Oversee intellectual property protection, ensuring NDAs are in place and liaising with legal advisors
- Lead the full product lifecycle from ideation and feasibility through design, validation, launch, and review
- Ensure all developments meet regulatory, safety, quality, and performance standards
- Coordinate closely with engineering, operations, commercial, and supply chain teams to ensure delivery
- Own the R&D portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification
- Track progress against KPIs and continuously improve development processes
- Identify, manage, and mitigate technical, commercial, and delivery risks
Stakeholder & External Engagement
- Build strong relationships with senior internal stakeholders and external partners
- Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and certifications
- Champion structured innovation, creativity, and emerging technologies
- Drive improvements in sustainability, product performance, and manufacturability
- Embed best-practice R&D and project management approaches across the organisation
THE PERSON
- Proven experience in a Head of Research & Development, Research & Development Lead, Research & Development Manager or similar role leading R&D, innovation, engineering, or technical programmes in a manufacturing or technical environment
- Strong project and programme management capability, with experience owning multiple workstreams
- Background in new product development and commercialisation
- Experience managing budgets and working at a strategic level
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on, delivery-focused Head of Department role
- Highly organised, resilient, and able to execute against deadlines
Head of Research & Development employer: Get-Recruited (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Get-Recruited (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research & Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the best fit for the Head of R&D role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along examples of your past work that demonstrate your project management skills and innovation capabilities. This is your chance to prove you can lead R&D activities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Research & Development role. Highlight your experience in R&D, project management, and innovation governance. We want to see how your background aligns with our values-led organisation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading R&D projects and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership style and how you influence cross-functional teams. We’re looking for someone who can coordinate and collaborate effectively, so share those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Get-Recruited (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your R&D Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's current R&D strategy and how it aligns with their business goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can enhance their innovation efforts and what new ideas you could bring to the table.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role requires strong project and programme management capabilities, come ready with specific examples of projects you've led. Highlight how you managed budgets, timelines, and cross-functional teams to deliver successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you build relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and how you ensured compliance with industry standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
This position is hands-on, so be ready to discuss your practical experience in leading R&D activities. Share examples of how you've taken projects from ideation to market launch, focusing on your ability to execute against deadlines while maintaining quality and performance standards.
