Head of Research & Development
Location: UK
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
Function: Research & Development
We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Research & Development to lead a small, high-impact R&D team and pilot plant within a specialist materials manufacturing environment. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to a technically strong leader who thrives in translating innovative chemistry into scalable, commercial products.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the R&D laboratory and pilot plant operations
* Develop new, innovative products aligned with strategic business objectives
* Explore and evaluate new chemistries and material technologies
* Design, develop and scale up manufacturing processes from lab to pilot scale
* Establish and maintain analytical methods and quality parameters
* Provide technical support to Production, Sales and HSQE teams
* Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement within manufacturing
* Develop new applications for existing and emerging products
* Define laboratory equipment standards and technical procedures
* Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and regulatory requirements
* Deliver technical service support to customers as required
Required Background & Experience
* PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science or a related discipline
* Industrial R&D experience within functional or advanced materials
* Strong background in analytical and spectroscopic techniques (e.g. UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, XRD)
* Proven experience in process development and scale-up
* Hands-on laboratory experience with a practical, solution-driven mindset
* Experience managing laboratories and leading small technical teams
Preferred Technical Expertise
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
* Functional and optical materials
* Interaction of light with inorganic materials
* Photocatalytic, photochromic, luminescent or phosphorescent materials
* UV / VIS / NIR / laser absorbing or reflecting materials
* Nanoparticle or solid-state synthesis
* Materials for energy or solar-related applications
Personal Attributes
* Highly motivated, hands-on and adaptable
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines
* Creative problem solver with an “out-of-the-box” approach
* Willingness to travel occasionally
* Additional language skills are an advantage
Why Apply?
* Opportunity to lead and shape an R&D function with real commercial impact
* High level of autonomy and technical ownership
* Broad exposure across R&D, manufacturing, sales and customers
* Work in a specialist materials environment where innovation matters