Research and Development (R&D) Director
30AI USED FOR30%moving to72%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£40,000 - £50,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT →
Research and Development (R&D) Director
Research and development directors lead teams that create new products and technologies. They set the strategy, manage budgets, and make sure the company stays ahead of competitors by innovating.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for a modest share of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior R&D ManagerIn this entry-level role, you will assist in project management and support senior researchers in developing new products and technologies.£40,000 - £50,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level R&D ManagerAs a mid-level manager, you will lead specific projects, coordinate teams, and ensure that R&D activities align with business objectives.£70,000 - £90,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior R&D DirectorIn this peak role, you will oversee the entire R&D department, set strategic direction, and drive innovation across the organisation.£120,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Finance and AccountingDancebox Theatre Works · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£49,000 median
🎓Business Management With Information SystemsWest Herts College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓International Tourism Management (with Foundation Year)University of Bedfordshire · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓Modern Languages (German and Italian) and ManagementUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Business Management (Accelerated)Anglia Ruskin University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Business and Management courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Finance and AccountingDancebox Theatre Works · DegreeBusiness Management With Information SystemsWest Herts College · DegreeInternational Tourism Management (with Foundation Year)University of Bedfordshire · DegreeBusiness ManagementTeesside University · DegreeModern Languages (German and Italian) and ManagementUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeBusiness Management (Accelerated)Anglia Ruskin University · Degree