Research And Development Manager
5 days ago
Glenrothes
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.