Head of Science & Innovation

The purpose of this role is to give strategic direction and drive growth in our global Pest and Hygiene & Wellbeing science teams through technical brilliance and innovation, whilst ensuring the Global Centres of Excellence are aligned to the group strategy. You will lead by example in the three key areas of customer support, innovation, and technical expertise. 

You will lead the early innovation in the Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing categories by formulating, sourcing, exploring and developing ideas to Proof of Concept stage whilst taking decisive decisions to ensure timely delivery.  

To identify, provide information and insight, evaluate and, where appropriate, bring developments to technical readiness. Bring in leading edge external technologies which provide differentiation and potentially exclusive IP for RI’s global Pest and Hygiene & Wellbeing categories via a combination of external partnerships, open innovation and new technology development initiatives.

Tasks:

Customers

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including innovation partners, key industry bodies and academia.
• Provide technical field support for those infestations that require deeper investigation or where traditional or current methods have been proven to have failed.
• Provide technical insight and direction for International Key Accounts bids and tenders where required.

Innovation 

• Identify gaps in the portfolio, and new product requirements working directly with the relevant Category Marketing lead, and in collaboration with the Head of Pest Innovation, Hygiene & Wellbeing Innovation and Chemical PD to develop opportunities to meet key sector needs with M&I and business colleagues.
• Liaise closely with all M&I teams to ensure alignment of our product development activities. 
• Attending and participating in regular meetings such as category boards and updating on the innovation funnel.
• Running of innovations sessions within Rentokil Initial and showing tangible outcomes to Proof of Concept.
• Establishing and maintaining a link with the Technical Leadership Team to provide technical inputs to strategic problems.
• Supporting the Innovation and Product Development Director with the presentation of materials and insight to the Technical Leadership Team and category boards.
• Implement and manage the project management process within the Science team.
• Work closely with marketing colleagues to provide new and novel claims support and selling support information to support product deployment.
• Play an active leadership role on both the Pest Control category board, the Hygiene & Wellbeing category board, and the Innovating for the Future board.

Expertise 

• Responsible for maintaining technical support relationships for colleagues dealing with customers and suppliers.
• Representing Rentokil at key conferences and relevant exhibitions and to positively promote Rentokil Initial in the external environment

Requirements:

• A minimum of a good honours degree in a scientific or similar discipline; post-graduate qualification a plus. 
• Relevant know-how and experience in the product development or technical management field. Excellent technical knowledge of current Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing products (or directly-related) fields and services. Experience with biocides and / or pesticides preferred.
• Innovation, creativity training or experience.
• A natural team leader with proven experience of leading, developing and broadening specialist technical staff.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience within a Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing (or directly related) industry working at a global level.
• I.T. Literate with working knowledge of the full Google suite, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Able to make sense out of large sets of data and communicate in a compelling manner.
• Proven ability to communicate technical results data and their significance, to peers, non-technical colleagues and commercial sponsors of work.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines within a structured project management framework.
• Proven experience of working across borders, regions and culture; frequent travel likely.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 23 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit
• Healthcare
• Free parking

At Rentokil Initial, our customers and colleagues represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals from all walks of life. Our belief is that everyone irrespective of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs, has the potential to thrive and contribute.

We embrace the differences that make each of our colleagues unique, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging. To ensure that your journey with us is accessible if you have any individual requirements we invite you to communicate any specific needs or preferences you may have during any stage of the recruitment process. Our team is available to support you; feel free to reach out to (joanna.sharpe@rentokil-initial.com) if you need anything

Be Yourself in Your Application! At Rentokil Initial, we value innovation, but we want to see the real you! While AI can help with structure and grammar, make sure your application shows your true passion and understanding of the role. A personal touch will help you stand out.