Research And Development Manager

About the Company

ACL Hygienic is a leading UK manufacturer of stainless-steel clamp-type tube connections—including tri‑clamps, safety clamps, sight glasses, ferrules, and bubble traps—for the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, dairy, and chemical industries. With 38+ years of precision manufacturing expertise and a commitment to innovation, we supply hygienic solutions trusted by global pharmaceutical leaders. Now part of the Ideal Tridon Group, we are investing in new product development and innovation to meet the evolving needs of highly regulated industries (https://www.aclhygienic.com).

About the Role

As R&D Manager, you will lead ACL Hygienics’ research and product development initiatives, driving innovation in hygienic stainless-steel fittings and assemblies. You will manage the full lifecycle of new product development (NPD)—from concept design and prototyping to testing and regulatory compliance—ensuring alignment with industry standards and customer requirements. This is a hybrid role offering flexibility to work from home, with regular travel to our Keighley, Yorkshire manufacturing site required for hands-on project work, team collaboration, and production support.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D projects to develop new hygienic components and improve existing products.
• Research emerging technologies, materials, and market trends to identify innovation opportunities.
• Oversee the design and prototyping of products using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Develop and execute testing protocols to validate designs against performance, regulatory, and customer requirements (e.g., ASME BPE, 3-A, EHEDG).
• Collaborate closely with production, quality assurance, and sales teams to ensure smooth transfer of new designs into manufacturing.
• Engage with key customers and suppliers to gather technical insights and co-develop solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation for regulatory approvals and patents where applicable.
• Manage the R&D budget and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Build and mentor a small team of engineers and technicians to support innovation goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across design, testing, and production processes.

Qualifications

• Degree (BEng/BSc) or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related discipline.
• Proven track record in managing R&D or NPD projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of stainless-steel fabrication, welding, and hygienic design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and PDM systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASME BPE, 3-A, DIN, and ISO 9001.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to technical challenges.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, both technical and commercial.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, food, or biotech manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of GMP, EHEDG, or sanitary design validation processes.
• Understanding of rapid prototyping techniques and additive manufacturing.
• Background in securing patents or working with intellectual property.