Location: MEDITE, Clonmel and SMARTPLY, Waterford

The R&D Manager is responsible for leading research and development activities and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation. The role ensures alignment with company goals, focusing on quality, efficiency, sustainability and bringing new products to market.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

Develop R&D plans aligned with the company’s strategy, incorporating sustainable practices into governance, team readiness, budgeting, and funding/claim planning.
Collaborate with leadership team to align R&D initiatives with business strategy and ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations, standards, and safety guidelines.
Negotiate research agreements, plan budgets and identify funding opportunities, including tax credits and grants.

Product Development

Align R&D projects with customer needs and market trends by working closely with the marketing and sales teams.
Drive the development of new innovations while ensuring market needs and regulatory requirements are met.
Develop and maintain a technology roadmap for advancing core technologies to maintain a competitive and sustainable edge.
Source and manage relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, research organisations, and technology providers.
Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering collaboration and innovation across the business.
Set clear objectives, monitor progress, and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities for team members.
Assess current systems, identify gaps, and implement improvements to enhance team readiness and drive sustainability in R&D operation.

Project Management

Utilise digital platforms for project management, capacity planning, tracking progress, capture expenditure, sustainability metric, and streamline reporting.
Prepare and present regular reports on R&D activities and maintain thorough documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
Develop KPIs to measure project success, including project completion rates, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance.

Typical Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Science); advanced degrees preferred.
3+ years in R&D, with relevant management experience.
Project management and R&D management certifications (e.g., PMP) are advantageous.
Proficient in research methodologies, product development and sustainability-driven innovation.
Proven leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, inspiring professional teams.
Skilled in organising and managing multiple projects, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

To apply please send CV and Cover Letter to: careers@mdfosb.com with Research and Development Manager in the subject line.

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