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R&D Manager
Location: Bracknell, UK (with global collaboration)
Competitive Salary + Comprehensive Benefits
Lead the science behind the future of heavy-duty mobility
At Afton Chemical, innovation drives everything we do. As the lubricant industry evolves to meet increasingly demanding customer, OEM, and regulatory requirements, we're seeking an exceptional heavy duty expert to head up our R&D team.
The Opportunity
You will provide technical and people leadership for a global team responsible for developing the technologies and products that will define Afton's future success in the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil market.
You'll work at the intersection of science, strategy, and commercial execution, ensuring research activities align with current and future product development priorities while building the deep technical understanding needed to address emerging industry challenges.
What You'll Do
Strategic & Technical Leadership
- Define and execute the global HDEO R&D strategy in support of Afton's Product and Technology Roadmaps.
- Lead the development of enabling chemistry, innovative products, and advanced performance testing capabilities.
- Build fundamental scientific understanding in key technology areas to support long-term business growth.
- Identify and initiate new research opportunities aligned with future customer, OEM, and market needs.
- Translate internal business strategies and customer requirements into effective research and new product development plans.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of scientists and engineers based in both the UK and US.
- Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, career development discussions, and training initiatives.
- Recruit, retain, and develop top technical talent.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
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Product Development & Innovation
- Oversee project portfolios, testing programmes, and resource allocation to ensure successful delivery of business objectives.
- Ensure effective use of Afton's Product Development Process (APDP).
- Partner with Technology Development teams to advance new component technologies and joint research programmes.
- Support the development of new analytical techniques and test methods that strengthen product characterisation and manufacturing capability.
- Drive intellectual property generation and portfolio development while ensuring freedom to operate.
Stakeholder & Business Partnership
- Collaborate closely with Business, Marketing, Strategy, Customer Technical Service (CTS), Process Development, and Senior Leadership teams.
- Communicate project progress, technical findings, business impacts, and future recommendations to stakeholders.
- Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, monthly highlights, and executive updates.
- Represent Afton externally through industry committees, technical organisations, conferences, and customer engagements.
Operational Excellence
- Manage R&D budgets, scheduling, prioritisation, and resource planning across the function.
- Drive laboratory and workplace safety excellence through comprehensive safety programmes and active leadership; ensuring ISO/ Quality & regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate documentation and governance across all research and development activities.
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What We're Looking For
You are an inspiring technical leader who combines scientific expertise with commercial awareness and strong people leadership.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience within lubricants, lubricant additives, fuels, chemicals, or a closely related industry.
- Deep technical knowledge of Heavy-Duty Engine Oils and associated technologies.
- Proven success leading research, product development, or technology teams in a global environment.
- Strong experience managing complex R&D portfolios, budgets, and testing programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to translate market and customer needs into actionable innovation programmes.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of intellectual property strategy, portfolio management, and competitive technology assessment.
- A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Advanced qualifications are highly desirable.
Why Join Afton?
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Lead a globally recognised team of scientists and engineers.
- Shape future heavy-duty engine oil technologies and innovation strategies.
- Influence product roadmaps and long-term business growth.
- Work with industry-leading customers, OEMs, and technical experts.
- Drive innovation in a business committed to scientific excellence and sustainability.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're passionate about technology, innovation, and leading high-performing technical teams, we'd love to hear from you.
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