R&D Manager

R&D Manager

At Saint-Gobain we are looking for an R&D Manager to join our Global R&D team in East Leake, helping to deliver innovative, customer‑centric interior finishing solutions for construction markets worldwide.

This R&D Manager role will lead a team of technical specialists focused on developing powder products, paste products, adhesives and interior drywall finishing systems. Working closely with global stakeholders, application experts and customers, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic innovation projects from early‑stage research through to commercial product development. You'll play a key role in shaping future‑focused solutions that support sustainability, performance and customer needs across international markets.

This role is based on‑site in East Leake, 5 days per week.

• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline, with significant industrial R&D experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams within product formulation, material development or construction solutions.
• Strong understanding of translating customer and market needs into innovative, solution‑oriented R&D programmes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence globally across technical and commercial teams.
• Experience delivering complex innovation or product development projects within a multi‑functional and international environment.

• Lead and develop a team of R&D professionals, ensuring capability growth aligned to business and global R&D strategies.
• Drive customer‑centric innovation projects from concept research through to commercial development and manufacturing implementation.
• Collaborate with global R&D, marketing and application teams to align innovation activity with strategic business priorities.
• Identify new technologies, materials and external partnerships, including universities and research organisations, to support future innovation opportunities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, safety and high‑performance delivery across all R&D activities.

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, designing, manufacturing and distributing materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Our innovation teams are focused on delivering high‑performance, sustainable solutions that improve everyday life and create better living spaces around the world.