Technical Director

Technical Director

Derby Full-Time 72000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing innovative plastic pipe products for critical industries.
  • Company: Join a leading manufacturer known for safety-critical innovations in the plastics sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of product development while making a real impact in essential industries.
  • Qualifications: Experience in engineering, project management, and expertise in plastic systems is essential.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive culture that values emotional intelligence and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.

GLOBAL RECRUITMENT & HR SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, PETROCHEMICALS, CHEMICALS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975

Technical Director

Based in Derbyshire

Job ref: JE/63387

The client:

The company is a leading manufacturer of safety critical plastic pipe products that are used in highly regulated industry sectors. It is at the forefront of innovation and product development employing a highly experienced R&D team. This role has been created to lead the operational delivery of products; ensuring NPD projects are delivered on time, developing internal resource capabilities, interfacing with customers/stakeholders and management of the technical team.

The role:

Leading a team of professional engineers and technicians that span the design, development and new product introduction process for plastic pipe and fitting systems, mainly used in the utilities sector such as gas and water distribution.

The person:

The Technical Director will lead the technical team and in addition, represent the company externally on all technical matters pertaining to the product portfolio. Client meetings are an important attribute of the role and technical competency is therefore vital.

Key competencies expected of the post holder would include:

  • Skilled in new product development process management
  • Basic competency in Stage-Gate project definition and planning
  • Estimating skills to support Portfolio Review c/w commercial colleagues
  • Ability to deliver process leadership and achieve/sustain process adherence
  • Management product compliance process with relevant utility organisations
  • Sector expertise in market and application engineering (client focus)
  • Expertise in pressurised plastic pipeline systems is an advantage
  • Alternatively safety critical industries such as automotive, aerospace, oil & gas
  • Expertise in lifetime (reliability) engineering for long life assets is an advantage
  • Expertise in standards, risk management/design of tests outside standards
  • Ability to deliver focused presentations & lead discussion forums with clients
  • Relevant experience in design for manufacturing in plastics sector
  • Expertise in material selection, properties & performance
  • Expertise in design for injection moulding and/or multilayer pipe extrusion
  • Expertise in specification of, and contract management of, tooling purchases
  • Ability to be the gate keeper and final decision on technical attributes
  • Proven ability to manage and deliver customer contracted R&D
  • Expertise in preparation of offers, negotiating and agreeing scope of works
  • Expertise in R&D contract forms, legal review and agreements
  • Ability to deliver to time, quality and agreed outcomes, the contracted works
  • Knowledge and experience of managing intellectual property portfolio
  • Expertise in identification of patent opportunities & developing patents
  • Expertise in monitoring patent databases, specifically competitor activity
  • Expertise linked to infringement risk mitigation/defending against infringers
  • Ability to maintain an active, valued, portfolio to reasonable budgets
  • The ability to operate under pressure when faced with product or customer issues
  • Expertise of operating in safety critical markets with AFARP/ALARP risks
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary team for containment & risk mitigation event
  • Ability, with legal/contract professionals, to work through contract escalation
  • Ability to sustain process until agreed outcomes achieved
  • To lead and motivate the teams
  • 2 direct reports (Product Development Manager and Compliance and Lab Manager)
  • Currently 22 engineering/support staff
  • Ability to identify internal and external resource requirements
  • Expertise in budget preparation, planning ahead and justification

Other Attributes:

The post holder must display a high degree of emotional intelligence and provide a constructive ability to operate across a broad range of operational situations. A core attribute is the ability to work throughout the business to achieve operational goals, and to work with customers, suppliers, professional institutions and regulatory bodies to achieve outcomes having a direct bearing on the business reputation. The business expects to be seen as both technically competent, and as a leader in this respect, in its chosen segments

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For EU roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the European Union. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

To apply please contact Jane Edwards

0044 (0) 1789 207070

CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN.

Why select Listgrove?

  • Five Decades of Market Intelligence
  • Unrivalled Industry Networks
  • Recognised International brand
  • HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.

Performance through People.

Please visit for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713

Technical Director employer: LISTGROVE LTD

As a leading manufacturer in the safety-critical plastic pipe sector, this company offers an exceptional work environment in Derbyshire, characterised by innovation and a commitment to employee development. With a strong focus on R&D, employees benefit from opportunities to lead cutting-edge projects, collaborate with industry experts, and engage in meaningful client interactions, all while being part of a supportive and dynamic team culture that values technical excellence and professional growth.
L

Contact Detail:

LISTGROVE LTD Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to showcase your leadership skills during the interview. As a Technical Director, you'll be leading a team of engineers and technicians, so be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and driving projects to success.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in the plastics and safety-critical industries. Being able to discuss current developments will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of the sector.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance and regulatory standards relevant to the utilities sector. Highlighting your knowledge in this area will show that you understand the importance of product safety and industry regulations.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in technical roles within safety-critical markets. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director

New Product Development Process Management
Stage-Gate Project Definition and Planning
Estimating Skills for Portfolio Review
Process Leadership
Product Compliance Management
Market and Application Engineering Expertise
Pressurised Plastic Pipeline Systems Knowledge
Lifetime Engineering for Long Life Assets
Standards and Risk Management Expertise
Presentation and Discussion Forum Leadership
Design for Manufacturing in Plastics
Material Selection and Performance Expertise
Injection Moulding and Multilayer Pipe Extrusion Design
Tooling Purchase Specification and Contract Management
Customer Contracted R&D Management
Offer Preparation and Scope Negotiation
R&D Contract Forms and Legal Review Expertise
Intellectual Property Portfolio Management
Patent Opportunity Identification and Development
Patent Database Monitoring and Infringement Risk Mitigation
Pressure Management in Safety Critical Markets
Multidisciplinary Team Leadership for Risk Mitigation
Budget Preparation and Planning
Emotional Intelligence and Operational Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in new product development, project management, and technical leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in the plastics sector and any safety-critical industries.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in the plastics industry. Mention how your skills align with the role's requirements, particularly in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering on time and quality.

Showcase Technical Competency: Emphasise your technical skills related to pressurised plastic pipeline systems, material selection, and compliance processes. Provide examples of past projects where you successfully led technical discussions or client meetings.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams and managing resources. Discuss how you've motivated teams to achieve operational goals and how you've handled challenges in high-pressure environments.

How to prepare for a job interview at LISTGROVE LTD

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Technical Director, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of new product development and technical processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, particularly in the plastics or safety-critical sectors, and how you managed compliance and risk.

✨Prepare for Client Interactions

Since client meetings are crucial for this role, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated with clients and how you handled any challenges.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

You'll be leading a multidisciplinary team, so it's important to convey your leadership style. Share experiences where you've motivated teams, resolved conflicts, or driven projects to successful completion, especially under pressure.

✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

The role requires a high degree of emotional intelligence. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenging interpersonal situations or fostered collaboration across different departments. This will show your ability to operate effectively in diverse operational contexts.

L
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>