Director of Research Development

Hartmann Young is partnered with a leading global health ingredients company seeking a Director of R&D to join its expanding scientific leadership team.This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative, science-led organisation entering a significant growth phase. The business is investing heavily in research, clinical validation, and product innovation, creating an opportunity for an ambitious scientific leader to make a meaningful impact on future growth.About the RoleReporting into senior leadership, the Director of R&D will play a key role in shaping the company's scientific strategy, driving clinical research programmes, building academic partnerships, and strengthening the evidence base behind a portfolio of science-backed nutritional ingredients. This role sits at the intersection of science, innovation, clinical research, and commercial strategy. You will lead the development of new scientific insights, oversee clinical research activities, engage with external research partners, and act as a scientific ambassador for the business globally. The position offers significant visibility across the organisation and will support strategic growth initiatives across Europe, North America, and APAC.ResponsibilitiesScientific Leadership & StrategyContribute to the development and execution of the company's long-term scientific strategyIdentify emerging research opportunities and future health applications for existing and new ingredient technologiesStay at the forefront of developments within nutrition, health, and ingredient scienceDrive the generation and communication of scientific evidence across the organisationClinical ResearchDesign, oversee, and manage human clinical trials from concept through publicationDevelop novel research hypotheses and study conceptsManage relationships with CROs, universities, and external research partnersEnsure studies are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest scientific standardsLead the interpretation and communication of clinical outcomesExternal Partnerships & Scientific NetworkBuild and expand relationships with universities, research institutes, and key opinion leadersIdentify opportunities for collaborative research programmesSupport grant applications and external funding initiativesScientific Communication & Commercial SupportDevelop scientific publications, white papers, technical documents, and conference presentationsPresent scientific findings at industry events, customer meetings, and trade showsPartner closely with commercial, marketing, product development, and regulatory teamsTranslate complex scientific concepts into compelling commercial narrativesQualificationsPhD in Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biostatistics, or a related disciplineRequired SkillsIndustry experience within nutraceuticals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health ingredients, or adjacent sectorsStrong experience managing clinical trials and external CRO relationshipsExperience taking ownership of clinical studies from design through execution and publicationProven track record of developing academic partnerships and research collaborationsStrong scientific writing and presentation skillsComfortable engaging with customers, commercial teams, investors, and industry stakeholdersExperience within dietary supplements, functional ingredients, omega-3s, lipids, proteins, or related categories would be advantageousPreferred SkillsPersonal ProfilePositive, proactive, and entrepreneurialStrong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skillsComfortable operating in a growing and evolving business environmentPassionate about science, innovation, and translating research into commercial successWilling to travel internationally as requiredLocation: Open to candidates across Europe, with regular travel required for leadership meetings and external engagements. Huge win to be based or open to relocate to Oslo, but not essential.