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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic R&D team focused on sustainable chemistry innovations.
- Company: Join a growing organisation dedicated to developing game-changing sustainable technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, 28 days leave, and employee share options.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey with high impact on product innovation and commercialisation.
- Qualifications: MSc or higher in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering with extensive R&D management experience required.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a mix of lab and office work, ideal for strategic thinkers.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Technology is at the core of this growing, sustainability-focused organisation, with the Research & Development team playing a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge products to market. The team has scaled significantly over the past year and will continue expanding in 2025 to support ambitious commercial goals. Reporting into the executive leadership (CTO), this position will take on the day-to-day leadership of the polyol R&D programme, overseeing a team of approximately 5 direct reports, while also mentoring other technical leaders and supporting key strategic initiatives across R&D. Given the hands-on nature of the role, the successful candidate will be lab and office-based 3-4 days per week. This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership group at a transformative point in the company’s journey, with high impact on product commercialisation and innovation strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Line management and development of a high-performing R&D team.
- Mentoring of technical leadership group.
- Overseeing robust work plans aligned to business, customer, and engineering needs.
- Supporting team leaders in implementing commercial R&D tools and project delivery.
- Shaping and delivering technical strategy in partnership with senior leadership.
- Managing and evolving the IP portfolio in alignment with business goals.
- Contributing to R&D budget planning and optimisation of ROI.
- Driving structured R&D processes and data management best practices.
- Collaborating with lab management to ensure operational readiness and innovation capacity.
Ideal Candidate Profile
You thrive in a dynamic, early-stage environment and enjoy the challenges and variety that come with it. You’re pragmatic, strategic, and passionate about leading and nurturing high-impact teams. You bring a blend of deep technical knowledge and commercial R&D experience, with the ability to bridge innovation and delivery.
Requirements:
- MSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Extensive experience managing and developing R&D teams in a commercial setting.
- Proven background in industrial R&D project management within the chemical sciences.
- Familiarity with stage-gate processes and customer-focused project delivery.
- Experience with strategic patent filing and portfolio development.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to shape technical strategy.
What’s on Offer
- Be part of a mission-led company developing game-changing sustainable technologies.
- Flexible working environment.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- 28 days annual leave.
- Employee Share Options.
- Performance & Recognition Bonus.
Director of Research Development employer: Jackson Hogg
Contact Detail:
Jackson Hogg Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Research Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainable chemistry field. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully managed R&D teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you mentored team members and drove project success in a commercial setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in sustainable chemistry. Being knowledgeable about current innovations will not only impress during discussions but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to managing IP portfolios and strategic patent filing. Highlight any relevant experiences that align with the company's goals, showcasing your ability to contribute to their innovation strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Research Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing R&D teams and your technical knowledge in chemistry or chemical engineering. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and project management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable technologies and how your background aligns with the company's mission. Mention your familiarity with stage-gate processes and your strategic approach to R&D.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver successful R&D projects. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to shape technical strategy in your application. Discuss how you have contributed to budget planning and ROI optimisation in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jackson Hogg
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Research Development, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed R&D teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Given the technical nature of the role, ensure you can articulate your deep knowledge in chemistry or chemical engineering. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied this expertise, especially in industrial R&D.
✨Align with Company Values
This organisation is focused on sustainability. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to explain how your experience and vision align with their goals for sustainable technology.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You'll need to shape and deliver technical strategy. Think about how you've contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles, particularly in managing IP portfolios and optimising ROI, and be ready to share these insights.
