Description
Cranleigh are partnering with a leading international materials manufacturer to recruit an R&D Project Leader for their expanding technical team in Kent.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced R&D or technical professional from the building materials, polymers, or wider materials manufacturing sector to lead product and system testing programmes within a well-established organisation.
R&D Project Leader
Permanent, Full-time
Kent (Hybrid: 1–2 days WFH per week once settled)
£45,000 + 10% PRB + Excellent Benefits
R&D Project Leader
Responsibilities:
- Lead and support the development and testing of new products and systems, ensuring performance meets design specifications through structured preparation and coordination.
- Design, set up, and conduct mechanical and performance testing in collaboration with the R&D Technician.
- Plan and oversee drywall system testing programmes (acoustic, fire, and structural).
- Record and analyse data accurately, maintaining detailed logs and producing reports to support technical and strategic decisions.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of existing products and systems to optimise material use, costs, and quality.
- Investigate product performance issues or customer complaints to identify root causes and support corrective actions.
- Maintain a safe, organised, and compliant laboratory environment.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to deliver successful R&D projects.
- Travel across Europe when required for testing, collaboration, and technical meetings.
R&D Project Leader
Requirements:
- Degree (or equivalent) in a building, materials science, or engineering discipline.
- Experience in R&D, product development, or testing within construction materials, polymers, foams, or adjacent manufacturing sectors.
- Understanding of fire and acoustic testing (desirable but not essential).
- Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar software for designing and interpreting technical drawings.
- Strong technical, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and cross-functionally.
- UK driver’s licence required.
- Strong attention to detail, scientific rigour, and awareness of health and safety practices.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (with the option to buy or sell up to 10 days).
- Three paid days per year for community, charitable, or voluntary commitments.
- 7% employer pension contribution.
- Level 3 Westfield Cashplan Healthcare.
- Income Protection.
- Life Assurance (4x basic salary).
- Access to a Reward & Benefits platform and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes.
If you’re passionate about developing and testing innovative building materials and want to be part of a company that invests in its people and technology, get in touch with me directly or apply!
