Company: Wernick Buildings, part of The Wernick Group
About The Company
Wernick Buildings, a division of The Wernick Group, is the UK's largest and longest-standing national provider of permanent and temporary modular buildings and site accommodation. Established in 1934, The Wernick Group remains a family-run and owned company.
Over the last five years, the company has more than doubled its profits, attributing its success to the quality and dedication of its workforce. The Wernick Group prides itself on a team full of enthusiasm, vision, friendliness, and a real can-do spirit.
Position Summary
The R&D Manager is responsible for leading and managing research and development projects, setting goals, and collaborating with both internal teams and external partners.
As an R&D Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the development and delivery of innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions, as well as overseeing quality control processes, regulatory compliance, and managing budgets and contracts. You will also be responsible for the roll-out of new and existing product development, technology, and associated processes throughout the business.
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Important Information
Location: Wernick Buildings & Construction - Kenfig, Unit 3A, Kenfig Industrial Estate,, Port Talbot, Wales, Glamorgan, SA13 2PE
Date Posted: 22nd August 2025
Closing Date: 12th September 2025
Industry: land / Property and Construction
Job Type: Full time
Salary: Based on Experience
About The Role
Key Responsibilities:
* Research & Development Lead: Manage and take control of the research and development function across all projects;
* Stakeholder Management: Liaise with the senior management team to identify and develop new products.
* Efficiency Improvement: Identify and implement ways to optimise the existing products in conjunction with the Quality Team.
* Market Research: Develop research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study the potential of new construction materials, technologies and products;
* Business Development: Develop key relationships within the business development & modular construction industry;
* Collaboration: Co-ordinate with key stakeholders (Suppliers, Partners, Consultants, Architectural, Engineering, etc.) throughout the Research and Development phase.
* Workload Capacity: Develop and maintain trackers to monitor project progress;Technical Library Management: ensure all product lines and details are up to date, accurate and communicated throughout the business.
* Architecture Design: Lead the development of detailed component designs.
* Building Information Modelling (BIM): Support the implementation and use of BIM software and processes within Technical Services led by the Head of Pre-Construction. Facilitate collaboration and co-ordination between design disciplines using BIM technologies, improving project efficiency and reduce errors;
* Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure all outputs meet the organisation's standards and comply with relevant regulations and codes;
* Hours of Working: Work outside normal working hours of business if required to meet agreed deadlines.
Essential Requirements
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field;
* Proven experience in managing design teams and delivering architectural projects;
* Strong knowledge of architectural design principles, RIBA Plan of Work, building regulations, and construction practices;
* Proficiency in BIM software, processes and related technologies;
* Familiarity with BREEAM standards, processes and sustainability best practices;
* Excellent leadership and team management skills;
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
* Excellent presenting skills;
* Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines;
* Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy;
* Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and financial implications;
Authorities
* Decision-making: The R&D Manager has the authority to make decisions regarding product design strategies, project timelines, and resource allocation within their team. They are accountable for project delivery within established brief and deadlines, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and client requirements.
* Team Leadership: The R&D Manager has the authority to provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to their team. They have the authority to set objectives, assign tasks, and evaluate performance. They are accountable for monitoring and reporting on team performance based on quality, efficiency and effectiveness;
* Design Standards: The R&D Manager is accountable for ensuring compliance with building regulations, industry standards, and organisational guidelines, promoting quality and consistency in design outputs;
* Budgetary Control: The R&D Manager has the authority to collaborate with the Technical Director to review and establish project budgets. They are accountable for project delivery whilst operating within established budgets;
* Quality Assurance: The R&D Manager has the authority to establish and maintain quality control procedures within the team. They have the authority to implement corrective and preventive actions to enhance design quality and mitigate risks. They are accountable for ensuring all design outputs meet the organisation's standards and comply with relevant regulations and codes;
* Training and Development: The R&D Manager has the authority to identify training and development needs within the team and recommend appropriate programs or resources to enhance the skills and knowledge of team members.
What You Will Get In Return
* Competitive salary and bonus scheme
* Generous holiday allowance (rising with service)
* Option to buy extra holidays
* Option to sell or carry over up to 5 days holiday
* Christmas Shutdown
* Early finish Friday
* Cycle to work scheme
* Group pension
* Annual Salary review – takes place each January
* Life Assurance 2 x annual salary
* Personal Accident Insurance
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programme
* Training and progression opportunities
* Family run and well established, secure company (trading over 90 years)
* Open door policy
* Employee Referral scheme
* Benefits scheme (discounted retailers scheme)
* Corporate Eyecare Scheme through Specsavers
* Message the MD/CEO/Staff Satisfaction Survey
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We thank you in advance for your interest in this role and our company. If you require any reasonable adjustments for your interview, please advise our recruitment team as soon as possible.
Important Notice To Recruitment Agencies
Any unsolicited CV’s will be sent at the recruitment agency’s own risk and will be interpreted as ‘gifts’ and we have no liability to you for any fee or otherwise. We reserve the right to engage with candidates directly having not, in any way, entered into your terms and conditions for this vacancy. By submitting an unsolicited CV to us, or to any member of our staff, you accept these terms as the default position. If we require your assistance with any vacancy we will contact you.
The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.
What you will need
Required criteria
* Strong knowledge of architectural design principles, RIBA Plan of Work, building regulations and construction practices
* Proficiency in BIM software, processes and related technologies
* Familiarity with BREEAM standards, processes and sustainability best practices
* Excellent leadership and team management skills
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Excellent presenting skills
* Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
* Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy
* Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and financial implications
* Proven experience in managing design teams and delivering architectural projects;
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field;
* The ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Desired criteria
* From a similar background
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