At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D for high-reliability electronics, ensuring compliance and product evolution.
- Company: Established international engineering manufacturer with a strong UK presence.
- Benefits: Ownership of projects, impactful role, and international scope without constant travel.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a senior role with substance and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety-critical products and improve engineering operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing electronics R&D teams and delivering complex engineering programmes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
I’m working with a well‑established international engineering manufacturer that designs and supplies high‑reliability electronic products used in safety‑critical and regulated environments worldwide. This is a business with deep UK engineering roots, a strong global customer footprint, and a reputation built on precision, robustness, and compliance. Products are developed in‑house and deployed into environments where failure is not an option and regulatory scrutiny is high.
They are now looking to appoint a senior UK‑based R&D Manager to take ownership of engineering delivery, sustaining engineering, and product compliance. This role sits at the centre of how products are developed, maintained, and kept compliant across their lifecycle.
The Role in Simple Terms
- UK electronics R&D delivery
- Existing product support and evolution
- Regulatory and certification performance
- Engineering team output and discipline
It is not a pure strategy or architecture role. The business is looking for someone who enjoys being close to engineering delivery, understands regulated electronic products, and can balance new development with lifecycle support and compliance. You will work closely with global R&D leadership while maintaining clear ownership of UK execution.
Core Responsibilities
- End‑to‑end accountability for UK electronics R&D delivery
- Leadership of multidisciplinary electronics and compliance teams
- Oversight of NPD, sustaining and obsolescence
- Ownership of product compliance and certification
- Ensuring products remain compliant throughout their lifecycle
- Improving delivery predictability, throughput, and execution discipline
- Management of selected external engineering partners where appropriate
What They’re Looking For
- Proven experience managing electronics R&D teams
- Strong track record of delivering complex engineering programmes
- Background in electronics, embedded systems, or hardware‑led products
- Practical experience with certification, compliance, or safety‑critical development
- Comfortable owning both leadership and delivery detail
- Structured, pragmatic, and accountable leadership style
Why Senior Candidates Engage
- Clear ownership without inflated titles
- Real impact on new product development and products already in the field
- Balance of leadership and hands‑on influence
- Long‑lifecycle products where engineering quality matters
- International scope without constant travel
Who This Suits
An experienced electronics R&D manager who:
- Prioritises delivery over theory
- Enjoys improving how engineering actually operates
- Views compliance as part of good engineering practice
- Wants a senior role with substance, not noise
Interested?
If this role aligns with your background, I’d welcome a conversation. Equally, if you’re not actively on the market but the scope, ownership, and focus on delivery resonate, I’m very open to a confidential, exploratory conversation. Many senior candidates I speak to are happy in their current roles but curious about opportunities with genuine substance and impact - this is firmly in that category.
Senior R&D Manager - Electronics in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Verso Recruitment Group
Join a well-established international engineering manufacturer in Durham, where your expertise as a Senior R&D Manager will directly influence the development of high-reliability electronic products in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams, this role offers a unique chance to make a real impact while enjoying the benefits of a company that values precision and compliance. Experience a fulfilling career with clear ownership and the satisfaction of knowing your work contributes to products where failure is not an option.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Manager - Electronics in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Verso Recruitment Group.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Verso Recruitment Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Manager - Electronics in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Verso Recruitment Group that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Verso Recruitment Group and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Verso Recruitment Group
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Verso Recruitment Group, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Verso Recruitment Group that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Verso Recruitment Group, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
