R&D Manager

Job Profile for R&D Manager 46411 Position: R&D Manager Location: Holmfirth Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 A progressive and ambitious organisation is seeking a driven and versatile R&D Manager to lead the full product development lifecycle - from initial concept through to commercial delivery. This is a broad, hands-on role covering projects from precision components to complex automated systems across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines. This position plays a key role in driving innovation and shaping the future direction of the business within a competitive and evolving market. Job Overview Own the full R&D lifecycle from concept, feasibility, and prototyping through to validation and commercial delivery * Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from small components to complex automated systems * Work across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines * Translate customer needs and market opportunities into clear development plans * Ensure all products are fully tested, validated, and ready for manufacture or deployment * Identify and manage external suppliers, service providers, and development partners * Maintain strong stakeholder relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery * Lead, support, and develop a small R&D team, setting priorities and managing workloads * Collaborate with operations, manufacturing, sales, and service teams * Maintain clear project pipelines, reporting progress, risks, and timelines to senior leadership * Ensure documentation, compliance, and adherence to industry standards and safety regulations * Drive innovation strategy and continuous product improvementRequirements Proven experience in an R&D or product development role within a manufacturing or engineering environment * Experience leading or managing a small technical team * Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and/or software engineering principles (electrical bias desirable) * Experience managing external suppliers or development partners * Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams * Commercial awareness and ability to link product decisions to business outcomes * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills * Hands-on, problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach * Background in beverage, food service, or similar industries advantageous but not essentialSalary & Benefits Hours of Work * Monday to Thursday: 08:30 - 17:00 * Friday: 09:00 - 15:00 Salary & Benefits * £40,000 - £50,000 salary * Private healthcare * Company pension * Holiday entitlement * Supportive and collaborative working environment * Opportunity to shape and lead the R&D function * Career development within a growing and innovative business Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for