R&D Director

Ion Science is a world leader in gas sensing technology, trusted globally for fast, accurate and reliable detection of volatile organic compounds. Founded in 1989 and headquartered at its purpose-built R&D and manufacturing facility in Cambridgeshire, the business designs and builds its products in the UK and supports customers worldwide. Ion Science is recognised for its innovation, including winning the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

With research and development at the core of its success, Ion Science now has an exceptional opportunity for an R&D Director to lead and shape its future innovation agenda.

The R&D Director will have full accountability for the R&D strategy and delivery, leading a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and technical specialists. You will drive innovation across sensors, instruments and core technologies, ensuring new products are successfully developed from concept through to certification and release. As a member of the senior leadership team and a Statutory Director, you will contribute to wider business strategy, governance and long-term decision-making.

This role requires a technically credible, commercially aware leader with experience delivering complex products in a regulated environment. You will bring strong people leadership, a hands-on approach to solving technical challenges, and the ability to create a high-performing, collaborative R&D culture.

Ion Science offers a values-led, low-turnover environment with significant investment in people, facilities and technology. This is a rare opportunity to lead a world-class R&D function where innovation genuinely makes a difference.

How to apply

This appointment is being led by Pure Executive. For a confidential discussion, please contact David Culley directly.