R&D Manager – Offsite

About the job

Job Title: R&D Manager – Offsite
Location: Glenrothes, Scotland (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £60K+ Benefits

About the Role

We are working with a leading construction solutions provider to help them find an experienced R&D Manager to join their high-performing Offsite division in Glenrothes. This is a key strategic role focused on driving product innovation, performance, and market growth within the Cullen Connectors product segment.

You’ll lead the on-site R&D test rig and team, managing the full lifecycle of product development — from ideation to technical validation and go-to-market delivery. This role blends hands-on engineering, project ownership, and cross-functional leadership, making it ideal for someone with a background in civil/structural engineering and experience in manufacturing or construction.

You'll also play a vital role in mentoring a developing apprentice, supporting the future of innovation within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D function across all aspects of product development, innovation, testing, and validation.
• Own and manage the on-site test rig, ensuring accurate testing and continuous improvement.
• Deliver high-impact innovation through the Customer Back Innovation (CBI) process, working closely with Product and Marketing teams.
• Drive Product Line Simplification (PLS) to enhance efficiency and reduce complexity.
• Identify new technologies, trends, and opportunities for growth in offsite construction.
• Oversee prototyping, compliance testing, and performance validation for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with operations and production teams to ensure design-for-manufacture principles are applied.
• Work with Marketing and Commercial teams to support product launches and technical sales enablement.
• Manage external partnerships including certification bodies, third-party testers, and engineering consultants.
• Stay informed on evolving industry standards, regulations, and competitor activity to maintain technical leadership.
• Maintain thorough documentation to ensure traceability and strong project governance.
• Mentor and support the R&D apprentice with both technical and academic guidance.

Key Skills and Experience

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (essential); Master’s or Chartered status desirable.
• 5+ years’ experience in product development or technical leadership within manufacturing or construction.
• Strong knowledge of structural design, materials (particularly timber and steel), and modern construction methods.
• Experience with industry codes and testing standards such as Eurocodes, British Standards, CE/UKCA marking.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Inventor, and other engineering tools.
• Proven ability to take products from concept through to production with full technical ownership.
• Confident leader with excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passionate about safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What Our Client Offers

• The chance to be a key driver in an innovative, market-leading product division
• A culture that promotes collaboration, autonomy, and forward-thinking engineering
• Mentorship opportunities and the chance to develop junior team members
• Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to experience
• A stable and growing business that is outperforming market trends

Working Hours

Monday to Friday – Full-time, on-site in Glenrothes