Senior IT Manager - R&D

Role: IT Senior Manager - R&D (Global Consumer Goods Business)

Location: Hull (Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite)

Type: Permanent

Are you ready to build something from the ground up?

Harrington Boyd have partnered with a global consumer goods company who is seeking an IT Senior Manager for R&D to shape and lead a brand-new function that will drive product innovation across multiple domains. This is a rare opportunity to combine vision, leadership, and hands-on execution to deliver technologies that power world-class products.

The Opportunity

In this role, you'll be the driving force behind the IT&D agenda for R&D, Safety, Regulatory, and Quality functions. You'll set the direction, design the roadmap, and build the infrastructure that ensures products meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance - all while enabling faster, smarter innovation.

What You'll Do

• Build and lead a high-performing IT team dedicated to R&D.
• Develop strategies and frameworks that align with business priorities and enable scalable innovation.
• Oversee the implementation of key technologies, including PLM, Digital Simulation, Consumer Safety, Labelling, and Quality Management systems.
• Align product portfolio management activities with broader business goals.
• Introduce and embed quality systems that ensure best-in-class product performance.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and other teams to streamline processes and boost efficiency.
• Bring cutting-edge technology into the product development process, keeping the organization ahead of industry trends.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing technical leadership and support across functions.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in R&D, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Expertise in Laboratory Management, PLM, Consumer Safety & Labelling, Quality Management, and related disciplines.
• Proven success in delivering complex projects and new product development initiatives.
• An entrepreneurial mindset - proactive, accountable, and comfortable taking ownership.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to unite teams across functions.
• Strategic thinking paired with practical problem-solving ability.
• Experience with Agile ways of working.
• Understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards.

Why This Role?

This is your chance to leave a lasting mark by building a capability that drives innovation at scale. If you're passionate about technology, product development, and delivering results in a fast-paced global environment, we'd love to hear from you.