Research & Development Manager
Location: Euskirchen, Germany
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Join MM Flowers and help shape the future of the cut flower industry
At MM Flowers, we're one of Europe's leading suppliers of fresh-cut flowers, working with many of the UK's and Europe's biggest retailers. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for a passionate Research & Development Manager to lead our scientific research activities at our state-of-the-art facility in Euskirchen.
Reporting to the UK-based Head of R&D, you'll play a key role in developing innovative solutions that improve the quality, longevity and consumer experience of fresh flowers. This is a fantastic opportunity for a scientifically minded leader who enjoys turning research into practical commercial outcomes while managing a high-performing team.
What you'll be doing
As our Research & Development Manager, you'll lead the planning, delivery and management of research projects focused on the breeding, production and post-harvest performance of cut flowers.
You'll:
- Lead and manage scientific research projects from concept through to delivery.
- Design robust experiments and ensure consistent, high-quality data collection and analysis.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the R&D department, including people management, health & safety, quality standards and resource planning.
- Produce clear, insightful reports and present findings to internal stakeholders, customers and external partners.
- Work closely with colleagues across the UK and Europe to deliver research that supports MM Flowers, our growers and retail customers.
- Build strong relationships with breeders, growers, universities and industry partners to identify new technologies and emerging opportunities.
- Drive continuous improvement by developing innovative solutions to long-standing industry challenges.
- Ensure research facilities, databases and testing processes operate efficiently and to the highest standards.
What we're looking for
We're looking for someone who combines scientific expertise with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
You'll ideally have:
- A degree in Biological Sciences or a related discipline (BSc minimum).
- Experience managing scientific or technical research projects.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using statistical software such as R, SPSS or Minitab.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to present technical findings to a range of audiences.
- High levels of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel when required.
It would also be beneficial if you have experience within:
- Horticulture or fresh produce.
- Plant biology, breeding or crop production.
- Post-harvest science or quality management.
- Working with retail or commercial customers.
You'll be successful if you are...
- Passionate about horticulture and scientific innovation.
- Curious, analytical and always looking for ways to improve.
- A collaborative leader who enjoys developing people and building strong relationships.
- Customer-focused, with the ability to translate scientific insight into commercial value.
- Pragmatic, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
Why join MM Flowers?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing international business where innovation drives everything we do. You'll have the chance to work with industry-leading experts, collaborate across Europe and influence the future of the fresh flower industry through cutting-edge research and development.
If you're looking for a role where your scientific expertise can make a genuine commercial and consumer impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
