Fractional Head of Engineering / R&D Manager

Bestman Solutions is partnering with a rapidly growing environmental and industrial technology business seeking a Fractional Head of Engineering / R&D Manager to guide its next phase of product innovation and technical delivery.

This organisation develops technologies that monitor, measure, and protect - providing essential tools used in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and infrastructure integrity. With increasing demand for smarter, data-driven products, the business is looking for seasoned leadership to bring structure, direction, and technical depth to its engineering operations.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced engineering leader to make a tangible difference-shaping how a purpose led company designs, develops, and scales products that genuinely improve the world around us.

The Role

As Fractional Head of Engineering / R&D Manager, you'll provide strategic direction and hands on guidance to an established engineering team. Working closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership, you'll help strengthen capability and accelerate innovation while maintaining the company's core commitment to reliability and compliance.

You will:

• Lead the technical roadmap, ensuring R&D investments align with long term business goals.
• Oversee engineering quality, testing, and certification processes in line with ISO and industry standards.
• Guide integration of digital, data, and connected technologies into existing product lines.
• Build frameworks that enable faster innovation cycles without compromising safety or compliance.
• Coach and mentor engineers, developing a culture of ownership, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Criteria We're looking for someone who:

• Has led multidisciplinary engineering teams across hardware, software, or systems design.
• Understands how to navigate regulatory and quality frameworks while enabling agility and innovation.
• Is comfortable operating in a fractional or part time capacity, focusing on outcomes rather than hours.
• Can balance strategic oversight with a willingness to be hands on where required.
• Has strong stakeholder and leadership communication skills, able to influence at senior levels.

If you're an experienced R&D or Engineering leader with a background in environmental, safety, or analytical technology, this opportunity offers the chance to shape meaningful innovation in a flexible leadership capacity. To explore the role further, please get in touch in confidence.