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.