Head of Research And Development

About the Role

Our client in the West Midlands are looking for a Head of Research and Development to lead their engineering division. The Head of Research and Development (R&D) will lead the innovation and development of cutting-edge solutions for a technology-driven company with a strong electronic emphasis. This role demands a visionary leader with a strong background in electronics engineering who can drive the development of new products and concepts that enhance the company's competitive edge. You will oversee R&D activities, mentor engineering teams, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and play a key role in driving technical advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Electronics Engineer: Function as the technical lead, providing hands-on expertise in the design and development of our client’s products and solutions, including hardware and software.
• Product Innovation: Working with the Product team to support the conceptualisation, design, and development of new products. Supporting the Product team to ensure that new products meet market demands and align with the company's strategic vision.
• R&D Strategy: Develop and execute the R&D roadmap, identifying opportunities for technological advancements, product diversification, and improvements in existing solutions.
• Technology Research: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends in their industry and electronics and translate them into actionable innovations for the company.
• Project Management: Oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of high-quality products.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of engineers and technical colleagues to achieve R&D objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Product Management, Sales, Finance, Procurement and Marketing to align product development with customer needs and business goals.
• Quality and Compliance: Supporting the Compliance team to ensure all products meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and quality benchmarks through rigorous testing and validation.
• IP Management: Provide the relevant input to the compliance and marketing teams to support securing intellectual property (IP) rights for innovative technologies and ensure patents are filed appropriately.
• Cost Efficiency: Optimise R&D processes to minimise costs while maximising innovation, ensuring cost-effective product development.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. A PhD is an advantage.
• Significant experience in R&D, with a proven track record of developing electronic products.
• Experience working within a start-up/scale-up business, where processes still require development and refinement
• Strong hands-on experience in designing and developing electronic hardware, embedded systems, and related technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing R&D teams, with experience in both product innovation and technical management.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Knowledge of industry standards, compliance, and intellectual property management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead cross-functional teams and present to senior leadership.
• Pragmatic problem solver with a focus on finding practical and effective solutions to the various challenges they will face.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with AI, IoT, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with software development processes, particularly in embedded systems.
• Experience in collaborating with third-party vendors, research institutions, or external partners for R&D initiatives.