Research & Development Recruiters
Pod Talent recruits R&D professionals for FMCG, retail, and manufacturing companies. We support product innovation, research, and development functions, connecting businesses with skilled talent for both technical and leadership roles worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Pod Talent specialises in research and development recruitment within FMCG, retail, and manufacturing.
- We recruit across innovation, new product development (NPD), and packaging roles.
- Our networks include technical specialists and senior R&D leaders.
- We provide efficient recruitment for both permanent and contract positions.
- Trusted by global brands for niche innovation and technical hires.
Our R&D recruitment team was created to work across the development end of supply chain and operations, covering everything related to new product development, innovation, packaging, and sustainability. Broadening our manufacturing specialism into R&D has allowed us to support a wider range of clients, whether R&D is part of supply chain or slightly separate. Our team recruits from entry to board level across the UK, Europe, and North America, and we have specialists for each seniority and geography.
What Is R&D Recruitment?
R&D recruitment involves hiring professionals skilled in product innovation, formulation, packaging development, and technical leadership. These roles are critical to creating and improving products across FMCG and manufacturing supply chain.
R&D Roles We Recruit
- VP R&D / Innovation
- New Product Development
- Sensory Management
- Consumer Insights
- Sustainability
- Formulation
- Packaging Development
- Development Scientists
- Application Scientists
- Processing
- Food Technology
To find out more, drop us a line at randd@pod-talent.com
How Pod Talent Supports R&D Hiring
Our Specialist Networks and Sourcing Approach: Pod Talent uses specialist networks built within R&D sectors. This enables us to quickly identify and connect companies with professionals who have proven technical and innovation expertise.
Tailored Solutions for Innovation and Product Development: We recruit across all R&D levels, from technical specialists to senior innovation leaders. Our approach adapts to your project scale, whether it is a single hire or building a complete R&D team.
Why Choose Pod Talent for R&D Recruitment? We have successfully placed R&D professionals for leading global brands. Our experience spans product innovation, process development, and technical leadership across multiple supply chain sectors.
Expertise in Niche, Technical Roles: Our deep understanding of technical requirements allows us to source candidates with the exact skills needed for highly specialised roles in innovation and development.
How to Hire the Right Research and Development Professional
Hiring the right R&D professional ensures successful product innovation and technical development. Follow these steps to simplify your hiring process:
- Define role requirements – List skills and experience needed, including technical expertise.
- Focus on industry relevance – Ensure candidates have experience in FMCG or manufacturing R&D.
- Check innovation track records – Look for previous involvement in product launches or development.
- Verify technical skills – Confirm knowledge of formulation, packaging, or process technologies.
- Assess cultural fit – Ensure alignment with company values and team dynamics.
- Review compliance and ethics – Confirm candidates meet industry and regulatory standards.
- Prioritise speed and accuracy – Use agencies with established R&D networks for faster results.
- Plan for future growth – Choose candidates who can support upcoming innovation roadmaps.
What Our Customers Say
Shawn Dotson, Director of Innovation at Coca Cola
“I am pleased to write this testimonial for Caroline Crotty, the consultant with Pod Talent who helped me find a position as a Principal Scientist and Director of Innovation in the food and beverage industry. Caroline was extremely professional and understood the specifics of the requirements of this job, as well as the corporate culture of the company in question. The position was very different from anything that I had done before. Nevertheless, Caroline helped me see that my skill set and interests were a perfect fit for the position! She coached me and helped me vastly improve my interviewing skills to ensure that I had the best chance to succeed during my interviews. And once I secured an offer, she helped me obtain a great salary and benefits package. Throughout the entire experience, she was friendly, approachable, helpful and patient, often going the extra mile and rendering her services even after office hours. I cannot recommend Caroline and Pod Talent highly enough. In conclusion, let me state again that Caroline is an outstanding consultant and I, unequivocally, would recommend to any of my compatriots that, if the need arises, it would be in their best interest to work with her and Pod Talent.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a research and development recruiter do?
A: A research and development recruiter connects companies with skilled professionals in product innovation, packaging, formulation, and technical leadership across FMCG and manufacturing.
Q: What roles can research and development recruiters fill?
A: Research and development recruiters place candidates in positions such as VP R&D, new product development, packaging, sensory management, and technical leadership roles.
Q: How does Pod Talent find top R&D candidates?
A: Pod Talent uses specialist industry networks and detailed market insight to identify, screen, and place high-quality research and development professionals efficiently.
Q: Why should companies use a specialist R&D recruitment agency?
A: Specialist R&D recruitment agencies understand the unique skills and experience needed for innovation and technical development, leading to faster and better-quality hires.
Q: How long does it take to fill an R&D position through Pod Talent?
A: Most R&D positions can be filled within a few weeks when using Pod Talent, thanks to our established networks and proven recruitment process.
Q: What makes a strong R&D candidate in FMCG and manufacturing?
A: Strong R&D candidates have hands-on experience in product innovation, technical knowledge relevant to FMCG or manufacturing, and a proven track record of successful project delivery.
