Research And Development Manager
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Founded in 1962, Fluorocarbon Group is a global leader in high-performance fluoropolymer components, engineering plastics, and stock shapes. We provide innovative, precision-engineered solutions to industries such as Semiconductor, Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Hydrogen Energy. With manufacturing facilities and sales offices across the UK, Europe, and Asia, as well as a global partner network, we deliver cost-effective and high-quality services from material selection to distribution. Renowned for our commitment to quality and customer success, we consistently exceed expectations in delivering solutions for the most demanding applications.
📍 Irlam, Manchester (M44)
🏭 Advanced Polymers | Aerospace | High-Performance Engineering
Fluorocarbon is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to join our team at our Irlam site, serving as second-in-command to our Head of R&D.
This is a rare opportunity to take a senior technical leadership role within a growing advanced manufacturing business working with high-performance polymers including PTFE, PEEK and PPS, supporting aerospace, defence and industrial markets.
🔬 The Role
You will:
- Act as deputy to the Head of R&D and provide leadership support across the function
- Lead development of fluoropolymer and high-performance polymer materials
- Manage multiple R&D and NPI projects from concept through to production
- Work closely with Operations to transfer innovation into manufacturing
- Support technical customer engagement and commercial opportunities
- Drive continuous improvement in materials, processes and performance
This is a hands-on leadership role — you’ll be just as comfortable in the lab or on the shopfloor as you are presenting technical strategy to senior stakeholders.
🧠 What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone with:
- Strong experience in polymer/fluoropolymer/composite materials
- Experience in industrial R&D or manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of PTFE, PEEK, PPS or similar high-performance materials
- Experience with extrusion, moulding, coatings or machining processes
- Solid understanding of material characterisation (mechanical, thermal, rheology, tribology)
Experience within aerospace, defence or regulated industries would be highly advantageous.
🌍 Why Join Fluorocarbon?
- Senior leadership exposure
- Influence over innovation strategy
- Opportunity to shape and grow an R&D function
- Collaborative culture aligned to our core values:
- People | Integrity | Collaboration | Innovation | Sustainability
- A business small enough to move quickly, but large enough to make a real impact
This role will involve travel to other UK and international sites as required.
📩 Interested?
If you would like a confidential discussion or know someone who may be interested, please contact:
📧 HR.Fluorocarbon@fluorocarbon.co.uk
No agencies at this stage.