Director of Research & Development | Kent (Hybrid) (with occasional international travel)

The Role

• Provide strategic leadership for a global Research & Development function within a multinational organisation
• Set and deliver product and technology development strategy aligned to business objectives
• Lead all new product development and product improvement programmes across multiple regions
• Foster collaboration, knowledge?sharing and consistency across international R&D teams

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of complex, regulated technology products from concept through release
• Define project priorities, success criteria, budgets, timelines and resource plans
• Drive innovation, quality, and continuous improvement across R&D processes
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Lead, develop and retain high?performing, multi?disciplinary R&D teams
• Own R&D budget planning, control and reporting
• Present development outcomes to senior stakeholders and external forums as required

About You

• Senior R&D or Engineering leader from a multinational, matrix?structured organisation
• Proven track record delivering complex product development programmes on time and on budget
• Strong experience managing geographically dispersed technical teams
• Commercially aware, with the ability to align innovation to market and business needs
• Confident communicator with the credibility to influence at executive level

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Electronics, Product Design or related discipline
• Postgraduate qualification and/or professional accreditation desirable
• Significant experience leading R&D functions in electronics, safety?critical or regulated industries
• Strong knowledge of product development lifecycles, testing and validation
• Experience with project and programme management methodologies

What’s Offered

• Senior leadership role with global impact
• Opportunity to shape long-term product and technology strategy
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Supportive, values-driven working environment