Research and Development Manager

Join a thriving manufacturer with exciting 2027 projects ready to go, supportive leaders and a proven pathway to grow your engineering career.

• Lead a team of five and take ownership of exciting new product development projects for 2027.
• Work closely with an accessible leadership team in a business that genuinely invests in its people.
• A proven career pathway, with the opportunity to grow into more senior leadership.

I have partnered with a well established New Zealand manufacturer that is going from strength to strength. With a strong pipeline of projects ahead and continued investment in its people, this is an exciting time to join the business.

Proudly manufacturing its own products, this is a design led, technically strong operation with the backing of a larger global organisation. You'll get the best of both worlds, the stability and resources of an established group, with the accessibility, down to earth culture and opportunity to make your mark in this growing manufacturer.

The team is down to earth, collaborative and truly passionate about what they do. The leadership team is approachable, ideas are encouraged and developing people is something the business actively invests in.

The day to day

This is a hands on leadership role where you'll take ownership of the R&D function, lead a team of five engineers and graduates and play a key part in shaping the next phase of product innovation.

Reporting to the Head of R&D, you'll have plenty of scope to bring your ideas to the table, lead projects and work closely with the wider leadership team.

There are some exciting new projects lined up for 2027 and you will take the lead from the outset. Alongside this, you will oversee the full product development lifecycle, from initial concepts and design through to testing, validation and production handover.

You will play an important role in developing your team, mentoring emerging engineering talent and continuing to improve the systems, processes and technical capabilities of the business.

This is an ideal next step for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with leadership, wants greater ownership and is ready to have a real influence on the direction of a business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of five, including engineers and graduates.
• Take ownership of new product development projects and the wider R&D roadmap.
• Oversee product design, prototyping, testing, validation and production handover.
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes and technical operations.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation, automation and process improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, sales and the wider leadership team to bring ideas to life.
• Support the ongoing development of emerging engineering talent.

So, who are you?

You will bring a strong engineering foundation and experience in product development, R&D or a similar technical environment. Just as importantly, you enjoy working with people, sharing knowledge and bringing others along with you.

You may already be an established R&D Manager looking for a fresh challenge, or a Senior Engineer, Engineering Team Leader or Supervisor ready to take that next step into a broader leadership position.

Some previous management or team leadership exposure would be ideal. We're looking for someone who can balance technical capability with the confidence to lead projects, make decisions and develop those around them.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering.
• Proven experience in product development, R&D or engineering.
• Strong CAD modelling and simulation skills (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience with product testing, prototype development and engineering analysis.
• An understanding of quality processes and technical validation.
• Previous leadership, supervisory or mentoring experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and a genuine interest in developing people.

What's In It For You?

This is more than an opportunity to step into an R&D Manager title. It's a chance to join a business that backs its people, gives them room to grow and has a proven track record of developing talent into senior leadership.

The current Head of R&D started in the very position you're applying for. Having progressed through the business himself, he'll be your direct manager and someone who understands the role, the challenges and the opportunities ahead.

You'll have access to an experienced and supportive leadership team, the opportunity to lead some exciting projects for 2027 and the scope to continue developing your own career as the business grows.

On top of that, you'll enjoy:

• $110k+ salary package, plus annual bonus.
• Health insurance.
• Free onsite parking.
• A modern, beautifully designed manufacturing environment.
• A down to earth team and with supportive, approachable leadership.
• Proven career development opportunities within a growing business with global backing.

If you're an engineer ready for more ownership, leadership responsibility and the opportunity to shape what's next, I'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch with Hayley for a confidential chat.