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 with the group strategy. You will lead by example in the three key areas of customer support, innovation, and technical expertise.

You will lead early innovation in the Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing categories by formulating, sourcing, exploring, and developing ideas to Proof of Concept stage whilst making 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 external partnerships, open innovation, and new technology development initiatives.

Tasks:

1. You will be responsible for managing our laboratory in Crawley, West Sussex, requiring on-site presence for a minimum of 2 days each week.
2. Identify gaps in our global portfolio and new product requirements by working directly with 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.
3. Liaise closely with our teams to ensure alignment of product development activities with problem statements.
4. Oversee innovation sessions within Rentokil Initial, demonstrating tangible outcomes to Proof of Concept.
5. Establish and maintain a link with the Technical Leadership Team to provide technical inputs to strategic problems.
6. Support the Innovation and Product Development Director with presentation of materials and insights to the Technical Leadership Team and category boards.
7. Implement and manage the project management process within the Science team.
8. Work closely with marketing colleagues to support new claims and selling information for product deployment.
9. 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 and services. Experience with biocides is a bonus.
• A proven track record of innovation delivery, creativity, and science communication.
• A natural team leader with experience in leading and developing technical staff.
• At least 5 years of experience within a Pest or Hygiene & Wellbeing industry at a global level.
• Ability to critically review experimental data and communicate findings compellingly.
• Proven ability to communicate technical results effectively to various audiences.

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, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you have any specific needs or requirements during the recruitment process, please communicate them to us. Contact (joanna.sharpe@rentokil-initial.com) for support.

Be Yourself in Your Application! Show your passion and understanding of the role with a personal touch. While AI can assist with structure and grammar, your genuine enthusiasm will make your application stand out.