Director of Research Development
2 days ago
Craigavon
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. \n \n Culturally, they operate in a collaborative, scientific, and fast-paced environment where integrity, discipline, and proactive problem-solving are highly valued. \n \n 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. \n \n 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. \n \n 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 \n \n 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. \n \n Based in Northern Ireland with UK travel. \n \n The package is highly competitive, with executive benefits (details available in discussion). \n \n Please apply to have a confidential discussion.