R&D Manager

R&D Manager - Electronic Lighting Controls

Location: Hertford, Hertfordshire

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: Electronics / Lighting Controls / IoT

About the Role

Are you an experienced R&D leader with a passion for driving innovation in electronic products?

We are seeking a Research & Development Manager to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team (electronics, software, hardware, mechanical) in designing next-generation electronic lighting control systems. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will own the end-to-end product development lifecycle from early concept and feasibility through to compliance, testing, and volume manufacturing.

This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on technical guidance, making it an ideal opportunity for a proactive leader thriving in an agile, SME environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy: Define and execute the R&D roadmap aligned with business goals. Lead, mentor, and resource an internal engineering team while managing specialist sub-contractors when required.
Product Development & Technical Oversight: Oversee design and development of hardware, embedded firmware, and wireless/wired communication protocols. Enforce DfM, DfT, and DfR principles across all projects.
Testing & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all products meet EMC, electrical safety, cyber resilience, and RoHS standards, collaborating directly with external test houses and regulatory bodies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Operations, and Procurement to drive smooth New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and translate market needs into product specifications.
Project & Process Management: Manage multiple simultaneous projects, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and structured development methodologies.
R&D Tax Support: Liaise with Finance to support technical submissions for R&D tax credits. What We Are Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills:

Proven Leadership: At least 5 years of R&D management/leadership experience within electronic product development.
Electronics & Firmware Knowledge: Strong background in analogue/digital electronics, embedded microcontrollers, and communication protocols (e.g., DALI, Bluetooth, Zigbee, DMX, Ethernet).
Full Lifecycle Delivery: Demonstrated track record taking complex electronic products from concept through to full production.
Compliance & Tools: Solid understanding of electronic regulatory standards (EMC, Safety, RoHS) and hands-on proficiency with engineering tools like Altium and embedded development environments.

Education: Degree (BEng/MEng) in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related discipline. Desirable:

Background in lighting controls, power electronics, sensors, or human-centric lighting solutions.
Experience applying Agile principles to hardware/firmware development.
Background in an SME environment where adaptability and a pragmatic, hands-on approach are key. Why Apply?

Drive technology leadership in a market-leading electronics company.
High visibility and direct impact, working closely with executive leadership.
A collaborative, innovative environment where technical curiosity is valued. To discuss this position in confidence or submit an application, please get in touch
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed