Job description
Our client, a well-established and respected Food & Beverage manufacturer based in central Bristol, is seeking an Research & Development Manager to join the business in a newly created role.
This is a high-impact opportunity to take full ownership of the product development lifecycle while shaping and leading a growing R&D function. You’ll play a pivotal role in turning innovative concepts into scalable, commercially successful products.
The Role
As R&D Manager, you will:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small, capable R&D team
- Establish structure, governance, and best practice across R&D projects
- Drive new products from concept through development, scale-up, and commercial launch
- Identify both BAU and “blue-sky” R&D opportunities aligned to commercial strategy
- Plan, manage, and document development and scale-up trials
- Ensure full traceability and compliant technical documentation
- Maintain ISO, food safety, and GMP standards within R&D operations
- Oversee R&D facilities and equipment, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance
- Transfer technologies from pilot trials into full-scale production
- Prepare and present technical and project updates to senior leadership
- Collaborate closely with Commercial, NPD, and Technical teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
Candidate Requirements
- Significant and demonstrable experience within R&D (Food, Flavour, Chemicals, or another regulated manufacturing environment)
- Degree-qualified in a relevant scientific or technical discipline
- Proven experience managing or mentoring technical teams
- Strong track record in product development, scale-up, and commercialisation
Extra information
- Status
- Open
- Education Level
- Secondary School
- Location
- Greater Bristol Area
- Type of Contract
- Full-time jobs
- Published at
- 04-03-2026
- Profession type
- Scientific Services
- Full UK/EU driving license preferred
- No
- Car Preferred
- No
- Must be eligible to work in the EU
- No
- Cover Letter Required
- No
- Languages
- English
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