How to become a research and development manager
Official title: Research and development (r&d) managers
Also called: Manager, Npd manager, Rm&g manager, Design manager, Insight manager, Product manager, Project manager, Head of research, Creative manager, Insights manager, Research manager, Analytics manager
Managers in this unit group plan, organise, co-ordinate and manage resources to undertake the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new, or to enhance the performance of existing, products and services.
Main tasks
- Establishes product design and performance objectives in consultation with other business functions
- Liaises with production departments to investigate and resolve manufacturing problems
- Develops research methodology, implements and reports upon research investigations undertaken
- Plans work schedules, assigns tasks and delegates responsibilities to the research and development team
- Monitors the standards of scientific and technical research undertaken by the research team
How to become one
Entrants usually possess a relevant degree or equivalent qualification. Training is usually provided on-the-job, although support may be provided for postgraduate study. Professional qualifications are available.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £55,519 a year The middle half earn £44,101 to £75,207.
- About 102,400 people work in this job now, and about 113,700 are projected by 2035. (+11.1%)
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Questions people ask
How do I become a research and development manager?
Entrants usually possess a relevant degree or equivalent qualification. Training is usually provided on-the-job, although support may be provided for postgraduate study. Professional qualifications are available.
How much does a research and development manager earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £55,519 a year (Office for National Statistics). The middle half earn £44,101 to £75,207.
Is a research and development manager a growing career in the UK?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 102,400 to about 113,700 people (Department for Education).
Do you need a degree to become a research and development manager?
Usually. 85% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Department for Education: Skills Imperative 2035: employment projections by occupation (2021 to 2035 (Warwick IER / Cambridge Econometrics)), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03