Head of Science & Innovation

Do you have experience in whole-organism biology, entomology, or behavioral ecology? Are you looking for the next step in your career as a Scientific Leader?

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 providing 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:
● You will be responsible for the management of our laboratory in Crawley, West Sussex. This would require you to be on site for a minimum of 2 days each week
● Identify gaps in our global portfolio and new product requirements by working directly with the relevant Marketing leads, country Technical leads, and in collaboration with the Head of Pest Innovation, Hygiene & Wellbeing Innovation and the Chemical and Hardware Product Development leads to develop opportunities meeting key sector needs
● Liaise closely with our teams to ensure alignment of our product development activities with identifiable problem statements.
● Oversight of innovation 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 global Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing category boards. 

Requirements:

● A minimum of a good honours degree in applied sciences (e.g. microbiology, zoology, entomology, or related fields).
● Excellent technical knowledge of current Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing products (or directly-related) fields and services.  Experience with biocides is a bonus

● A proven track record of innovation delivery, creativity training, and science communication
● 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
● Able to critically review experimental data and communicate findings in a compelling manner.
● Proven ability to communicate technical results data and their significance, to peers, non-technical colleagues and commercial sponsors of work.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 25 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 ([email protected]) 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.