Head of R&D

The purpose of the role:

The Head of R&D will lead the research and development efforts, overseeing the innovation and improvement of products, processes, and technologies within the company. This role is critical to driving the strategic direction of the company's innovation pipeline and ensuring that R&D initiatives align with business objectives. The successful candidate will lead the R&D team, foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, and maintain strong collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a hands-on, innovative and visionary leader to take on the role of Head of Research & Development (R&D). The ideal candidate is a dynamic professional with a passion for driving product development and innovation. You should have a strong background in R&D, preferably in a humanitarian setting or purpose-led product, a proven track record of turning ideas into market-leading solutions, bringing products to market, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of product development and market trends, and you excel at balancing the creative aspects of R&D with the practicalities of engineering products. With excellent leadership and communication skills, you will inspire, guide and nurture our R&D team to deliver groundbreaking innovations that support our company's growth and long-term vision. You are passionate about positively impacting people's lives.

If you are an enthusiastic leader with a passion for innovation, a strategic mindset, and a desire to shape the future of our company's R&D initiatives, we'd love to hear from you!

Key Results

• Lead the overall R&D strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's overall goals and vision.

• Drive innovation, overseeing the development of new products and the improvement of existing products.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing R&D team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

• Identify and evaluate new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to drive R&D innovation.

• Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from concept development to market.

• Manage R&D budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and project prioritisation.

• Ensure that all R&D activities comply with relevant regulations and standards.

• Drive continuous improvement in research methods, lowering cost of the products, processes, and team productivity.

• Communicate R&D progress and findings to the executive leadership team and other stakeholders.

• Cultivate partnerships with external research institutions, universities, and other organisations to support innovation.

• Work alongside the engineering team hands-on to contribute to design, prototyping and build.

Qualifications and experience:

• Masters degree in a relevant field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering or Product Development)

• 10+ years of experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably in the humanitarian sector.

• Proven track record of managing R&D teams and delivering innovative products or solutions.

• Strong understanding of product development processes, from research to development, commercialisation and transfer to manufacturing

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to innovation.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.

• Experience in budgeting, resource management for R&D projects and developing low-cost products.

• Familiarity with intellectual property management and patent processes.

Other Requirements

• Able to travel to the Bristol and London offices.

• Travel nationally to attend events.

• Willing to travel internationally.

• Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Location

Hybrid (Bristol and remote)

Salary

£58-68K based on a 37.5-hour workweek (experience-dependent, pro-rata, flexibility available)

The benefits you'll get

We offer you a genuinely purpose-led career with a culture built on trust, autonomy, and flexibility. In addition, we'll give you:

• Lots of flexibility: working from home or doing the school run, we understand that flexibility is essential.

• An annual discretionary bonus scheme.

• 28 days holiday, including 8 statutory bank holidays (pro-rata) + your Birthday off.

• 2 days per year to work with a charity of your choice.

• Work phone and laptop.

• 5=10 leave: 10 days additional leave on your 5th and 10th years of service!

• £100 contribution to your home working set up to spend as you see fit.

• An annual personal development allowance of £200.

• A tax-efficient group pension scheme.

• Wellbeing support and access to mental health support.

• International travel.

• Lovely working offices at our corporate partners in great locations, with drinks and snacks provided and fun social events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

To Apply

Please complete the application form and attach your CV. If you need any support or adjustments in the application process, please contact jo@thewashingmachineproject.org.

The deadline for applications is midday (GMT) on the 3rd of November, 2024. We will review and progress with shortlisted candidates from when an application is received.

What you can expect after you've applied

A team member will reach out after reviewing your application. You must ensure your application is completed correctly through the application form, where you will be able to upload your CV.

We would like to know your background, attitude, and experience and understand your motivation to work with us. Our selection process typically looks like this:

30-45 minute video call with one of our team

45-60 minute competency-based interview with the hiring team (you will also complete a task/presentation)

An additional interview with senior leadership and profiling

At TWMP, you'll have a voice, make an impact, and have the opportunity to mould your role. So be ready to learn, have fun, and be inspired by our passionate, talented team.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Please note: We kindly request no contact from recruitment agencies or third-party recruiters.