Salary: GBP45000 - GBP50000 per annum
Berry Recruitment is delighted to support our client in the appointment of an R&D Team Leader to join their locally managed Research & Development function. This role plays a key part in delivering innovative, best‑tasting confectionery products to consumers while ensuring compliance with UK MHRA, food and EU supplement regulations.
The successful candidate will be a strong people leader with proven experience managing technical teams. A degree is beneficial but not essential where candidates can demonstrate substantial hands‑on experience in product or process development within regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, technologists and admin staff.
* Drive performance management, capability development and progression planning.
* Create a positive, collaborative and high‑performing team culture.
* Prioritise R&D resource effectively in line with business needs and HR requirements.
Technical & Project Delivery
* Oversee product and process development projects from concept through to launch.
* Provide technical guidance and act as a subject‑matter resource for the team.
* Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and issue resolution activities.
* Ensure technical milestones are delivered on time and to quality standards.
* Support decision‑making on key technical and resource matters.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain and Finance.
* Communicate project status, risks and recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
* Represent R&D in cross‑functional meetings and support business decision‑making.
* Analyse and communicate technical and regulatory risks effectively.
* Make clear, informed recommendations that balance risk with business progress.
* Role‑model best practice in strategic risk‑taking and decision‑making.
Compliance & Standards
* Ensure all R&D activities comply with MHRA, UK food and EU supplement regulations.
* Uphold company Health, Safety and Quality policies.
* Maintain ethical and legal compliance in all aspects of work.
* Stay up to date with nutritional, regulatory and licensed medicine developments.
* Identify personal development needs and maintain future‑fit technical capability.
Candidate Requirements
* Strong people management experience within a technical, scientific or regulated environment.
* Proven ability to lead teams, coach individuals and manage performance.
* Ability to prioritise resources and manage workload across multiple projects.
* Excellent communication skills, able to tailor messaging to different audiences.
* Understanding of regulated environments (food, pharma, healthcare, FMCG).
Preferred (Not Essential)
* Degree in a relevant scientific discipline — experience can outweigh education.
* Experience with MHRA, UK food or EU supplement regulations.
* Knowledge of statistical analysis or data‑driven decision‑making.
* Experience in healthcare confectionery, FMCG or similar sectors.
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