Director of Research Development

This business is a prominent player in the European agri-food and primary production sector, well known for driving technological innovation, agricultural advancement, and supply chain sustainability across its specialist livestock and processing divisions.

Culturally, they operate in a collaborative, scientific, and fast-paced environment where integrity, discipline, and proactive problem-solving are highly valued.

They offer an outstanding platform for an established scientific leader looking to take true strategic ownership of a multi-species research agenda within a high-visibility, executive-facing role.

We are seeking a PhD-qualified Director of R&D with a proven track record in applied science and agri-food research. The ideal candidate must possess deep technical expertise in livestock production, a strong history of peer-reviewed publications, hands-on experience managing collaborative academic partnerships, and the gravitas to partner with, coach, and challenge executive leadership and industry advisory bodies. The role combines strategic R&D alignment, complex scientific governance, and commercial innovation delivery, with a focus on translating evidence-based research into practical on-farm and processing outcomes, securing collaborative funding, and driving continuous operational improvement.

The successful candidate will lead the overall scientific research strategy, supervise PhD studentships, oversee key funding initiatives, including R&D tax credit processes and external grants (e.g., Innovate UK / Invest NI), and work directly alongside the Executive Director, operational heads, and commercial partners to align scientific programs with commercial goals. You will have published papers

This role acts as a scientific authority and strategic mentor—guiding technical teams, co-developing technical solutions alongside major customers, representing the business on industry and government working groups, and managing departmental research facilities and budgets to maintain world-class standards across all sites.

Based in Northern Ireland with UK travel.

The package is highly competitive, with executive benefits (details available in discussion).