Senior R&D Manager Nutraceuticals

Location:

Widnes, Cheshire

Working Pattern:
Site-based with some flexibility for hybrid working

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior R&D Manager to join a growing and innovative nutraceutical business based in Widnes. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of new products, drive innovation strategy, and manage a talented R&D team within a fast-paced commercial environment.

As Senior R&D Manager, you will play a pivotal role in bringing new nutraceutical products to market, collaborating closely with customers, commercial teams, manufacturing, quality, and external stakeholders to deliver commercially successful innovations.

• Lead and develop a team of up to 10 R&D professionals
• Drive the end-to-end development of nutraceutical and health supplement products
• Manage multiple innovation and product development projects simultaneously
• Act as the key technical contact for customers and clients, building strong long-term relationships
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams
• Identify market trends, emerging ingredients, and innovation opportunities
• Support business growth through new product development and customer-led projects
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory requirements
• Present technical information confidently to both internal and external stakeholders
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

We are looking for a commercially aware R&D leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent people management and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Significant experience within nutraceuticals, food supplements, functional foods, or related sectors
• Proven leadership experience managing technical or R&D teams
• Strong customer-facing and stakeholder management skills
• Experience leading product development projects from concept through to launch
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to build credibility with both internal and external stakeholders
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities
• Scientific degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline

• Experience working with vitamins, minerals, botanicals, functional ingredients, or health supplements
• Knowledge of UK and EU nutraceutical regulations
• Experience with in a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment

• Opportunity to lead a high-performing R&D function
• Strategic role with significant influence across the business
• Innovative and growing nutraceutical organization
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear opportunity to make a lasting impact on future product innovation