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Head of R&D and NPD

Bristol
4 days ago
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Head of R&D and NPD

Remote, with a requirement to attend the Bristol office twice a month.

Salary: Up to £70,000

The company is a founder-led organisation, proudly B Corp certified, operating within the high-growth sustainable personal care market. This pioneering brand exclusively uses organic products and is actively challenging industry norms. The successful candidate will join a mission-driven business focused on innovation and environmental responsibility.

What’s on Offer? (Competitive Compensation and Benefits)

  • The Head of R&D and NPD will benefit from a flexible, supportive package

  • Remote Working with only 2 mandatory days a month required in Bristol.

  • Generous Annual Leave: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.

  • Wellbeing & Social Responsibility: 2 dedicated well-being days and 2 days of paid volunteering.

  • Performance Incentive: Access to a Bonus scheme based on company success.

    What will you do as Head of R&D and NPD

  • Delivering comprehensive plans across the full range of technical, New Product Development (NPD), and commercial activities.

  • Managing the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept generation through to successful market launch.

  • Preparing a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) for each new product line to ensure cost accuracy.

  • Creating essential dashboards for pipeline tracking, forecast analysis, margin monitoring, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) gates.

  • Preparing data rooms, grant reporting documentation, and the compelling investor narrative.

  • Selecting and onboarding strategic partners across the supply chain, negotiating Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) and capacity contracts.

    What will you need to be the Head of R&D and NPD

  • A qualification in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific field is required.

  • A minimum of 3 years' proven experience in New Product Development (NPD), specifically within the personal care sector.

  • The candidate must be comfortable switching seamlessly between practical benchtop experiments and high-level boardroom strategy.

  • Experience working within the sustainable products sector is highly advantageous.

  • Proven capability in process design and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) / Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) modelling is essential for financial viability.

    Job Number: 10224

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