Senior R&D Manager - Nutraceuticals

Senior R&D Manager - Nutraceuticals Location: Widnes, Cheshire Working Pattern: Site-based with some flexibility for hybrid working Shape the Future of Nutraceutical Innovation 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. The Role Reporting into senior leadership, you will:

• 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 About You We are looking for a commercially aware R&D leader who combines strong technical expertise with excellent people management and stakeholder engagement skills. Essential Requirements
• 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 Desirable
• Experience working with vitamins, minerals, botanicals, functional ingredients, or health supplements
• Knowledge of UK and EU nutraceutical regulations
• Experience within a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment What's On Offer?
• 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