The purpose of this role is to give strategic direction and drive growth in our global Pest and Hygiene & Wellbeing science teams through technical brilliance and innovation, while ensuring the Global Centres of Excellence are aligned with the group strategy. You will lead by example in customer support, innovation, and technical expertise.
You will lead early innovation in the Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing categories by formulating, sourcing, exploring, and developing ideas to Proof of Concept stage, making decisive decisions to ensure timely delivery.
Responsibilities include identifying, providing information and insight, evaluating developments for technical readiness, and integrating leading-edge external technologies through partnerships, open innovation, and new technology initiatives to create differentiation and potential exclusive IP for RI's categories.
Tasks
Customers
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including innovation partners, industry bodies, and academia.
* Provide technical field support for complex infestations or where current methods have failed.
* Support international key accounts with technical insights for bids and tenders.
Innovation
* Identify gaps and new product needs by collaborating with Category Marketing, Pest Innovation, Hygiene & Wellbeing Innovation, and Chemical PD teams.
* Ensure alignment of product development activities across teams.
* Participate in category boards and innovation meetings, updating on innovation progress.
* Lead innovation sessions and demonstrate tangible proof of concepts.
* Maintain a link with the Technical Leadership Team for strategic technical input.
* Assist in presenting insights and materials to leadership teams.
* Implement and oversee project management processes within the Science team.
* Collaborate with marketing to support product claims and deployment strategies.
* Lead on category and innovation boards.
Expertise
* Maintain technical support relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
* Represent Rentokil at conferences and exhibitions, promoting the company's expertise.
Requirements
* Honours degree in a scientific discipline such as Chemistry.
* Experience in product development or technical management, with strong knowledge of Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing products, preferably including biocides or pesticides.
* Training or experience in innovation and creativity.
* Proven leadership of technical teams.
* At least 5 years' experience in a global Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing industry role.
* Ability to analyze large data sets and communicate findings effectively.
* Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
* Capacity to work under tight deadlines within structured project frameworks.
* Experience working across borders and cultures, with willingness to travel.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
* Hybrid working model.
* Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme.
* 23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Death in service benefit.
* Healthcare coverage.
* Free parking.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. If you have specific needs during the recruitment process, contact us at (joanna.sharpe@rentokil-initial.com). Be yourself in your application—show us your passion and understanding of the role, and add a personal touch to stand out.
#J-18808-Ljbffr