Job Description
Job Title: R&D Manager – Offsite
Location: Glenrothes, Scotland (hybrid)
Salary: £60K+ Benefits
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role:
We are working with a leading construction solutions provider to help them find an experienced R&D Manager to join their high-performing Offsite division in Glenrothes. This is a key strategic role focused on driving product innovation, performance, and market growth within the Cullen Connectors product segment.
You’ll lead the on-site R&D test rig and team, managing the full lifecycle of product development — from ideation to technical validation and go-to-market delivery. This role blends hands-on engineering, project ownership, and cross-functional leadership, making it ideal for someone with a background in civil/structural engineering and experience in manufacturing or construction.
You'll also play a vital role in mentoring a developing apprentice, supporting the future of innovation within the team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the R&D function across all aspects of product development, innovation, testing, and validation.
* Own and manage the on-site test rig, ensuring accurate testing and continuous improvement.
* Deliver high-impact innovation through the Customer Back Innovation (CBI) process, working closely with Product and Marketing teams.
* Drive Product Line Simplification (PLS) to enhance efficiency and reduce complexity.
* Identify new technologies, trends, and opportunities for growth in offsite construction.
* Oversee prototyping, compliance testing, and performance validation for new and existing products.
* Collaborate with operations and production teams to ensure design-for-manufacture principles are applied.
* Work with Marketing and Commercial teams to support product launches and technical sales enablement.
* Manage external partnerships including certification bodies, third-party testers, and engineering consultants.
* Stay informed on evolving industry standards, regulations, and competitor activity to maintain technical leadership.
* Maintain thorough documentation to ensure traceability and strong project governance.
* Mentor and support the R&D apprentice with both technical and academic guidance.
Key Skills and Experience:
* Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (essential); Master’s or Chartered status desirable.
* 5+ years’ experience in product development or technical leadership within manufacturing or construction.
* Strong knowledge of structural design, materials (particularly timber and steel), and modern construction methods.
* Experience with industry codes and testing standards such as Eurocodes, British Standards, CE/UKCA marking.
* Proficiency in AutoCAD, Inventor, and other engineering tools.
* Proven ability to take products from concept through to production with full technical ownership.
* Confident leader with excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
* Passionate about safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
What Our Client Offers:
* The chance to be a key driver in an innovative, market-leading product division
* A culture that promotes collaboration, autonomy, and forward-thinking engineering
* Mentorship opportunities and the chance to develop junior team members
* Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to experience
* A stable and growing business that is outperforming market trends
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday – Full-time, on-site in Glenrothes
About Us:
We’re a specialist recruitment agency working with forward-thinking technical and engineering firms across the UK. We partner with companies that offer genuine opportunities to grow, innovate, and lead within their sectors.