At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation by developing new products and improving processes across the company.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on sustainability and efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health care, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for paid volunteering and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in R&D while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on and commercially minded Research & Development Specialist to drive innovation across Tecna.
While the role has a strong operational focus, it will work cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, Design, Production and the Leadership Team to research, develop and implement new products, components, materials and processes.
The successful candidate will identify opportunities to improve quality, sustainability, efficiency and commercial performance, ensuring innovations deliver measurable value across the business.
- Operational Development & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve operational products, components, materials and production processes to increase efficiency, quality and profitability.
- Work alongside Operations, Procurement and Production teams to understand operational challenges and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Evaluate existing products, materials and manufacturing methods, recommending improvements that enhance performance, durability and sustainability.
- Lead trials, prototyping and testing of new products, materials and operational processes before full implementation.
- Support supplier evaluations and material selection, ensuring quality, availability, cost-effectiveness and long-term commercial viability.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical specifications and implementation documentation for new products and processes.
- Monitor the performance of implemented improvements, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Support the successful introduction of new products, equipment and manufacturing techniques into day-to-day operations.
- Support the successful introduction of new systems and integrations.
- Ensure new solutions comply with relevant quality, health & safety and environmental standards.
- Act as the link between Operations, Procurement, Design and the wider business to ensure innovation is practical, scalable and commercially viable.
- Research, Funding & Innovation
- Continuously research emerging materials, products, manufacturing methods and technologies that could provide a competitive advantage.
- Identify opportunities for R&D tax relief, Innovate UK funding, government grants and other financial support available for innovation projects.
- Prepare and maintain the technical documentation and supporting evidence required for R&D claims, grant applications and investment proposals.
- Evaluate the commercial viability and return on investment of new products, materials and process improvements.
- Build relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers and industry partners to identify collaborative innovation opportunities.
- Monitor market trends, competitor developments and new technologies to ensure Tecna remains at the forefront of innovation.
- Develop business cases and recommendations to support investment in new products, equipment and manufacturing capabilities.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing development projects from concept to implementation.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to evaluate business cases.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical and commercial problems across any industry.
- Understanding of Manufacturing processes
- Strong report writing and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
Benefits
- Enhanced holiday of 25 days + Bank Holidays
- Private Health Care
- Competitive Salary
- Flexible working options
- Paid Volunteering days
Research and Development Specialist in Farnborough employer: Tecna
At Tecna, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking employer located in Farnborough, Hampshire. Our dynamic work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing Project Managers to thrive while working on unique projects that challenge the norm. With comprehensive benefits including Bupa healthcare, a generous pension scheme, and 33 days of annual leave, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being and professional growth in a vibrant and exciting environment.
