Life at The Washing Machine Project - Meaningful work. Exceptional people.

An introduction to the company:

Handwashing clothes may sound like a simple task, but it poses a significant obstacle to the well-being and livelihood for many women worldwide. We recognise that unpaid labour is compromising lives. This needs to change.

Were The Washing Machine Project (TWMP). Our mission is to empower women to take charge of their lives by providing displaced and low-income communities with accessible, off-grid washing solutions. We create resourceful products and solutions. 

Founded by Navjot Sawhney in 2018, TWMP develops extraordinary innovations designed to improve women’s lives. People are at the heart of everything we do, and listening to communities is integral to our work and design process. At TWMP, you’ll be surrounded by people who want to improve everything and everyone around them. People who are passionate about our mission. People who are driven to solve problems and constantly consider the best ways to improve the health and wellbeing of women.

Were deeply proud of our values, which are intrinsic to our daily behaviour:

We make an impact: We’re mission-driven and unafraid to break boundaries. We relentlessly focus on going the extra mile to solve problems.

We’re innovators: We are passionate, curious, and data-driven. We continuously embrace change and innovation.

We’re in it together: we fail and learn fast — always as one team — and have fun. We stay authentic and embrace our differences.

Weve been featured in over 200 media outlets, including BBC and World Economic Forum, to name a few.

The purpose of the role:

The Head of RD will lead the research and development efforts, overseeing the innovation and improvement of products, processes, and technologies within the company. This role is critical to driving the strategic direction of the company’s innovation pipeline and ensuring that RD initiatives align with business objectives. The successful candidate will lead the RD team, foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, and maintain strong collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a hands-on, innovative and visionary leader to take on the role of Head of Research Development (RD). The ideal candidate is a dynamic professional with a passion for driving product development and innovation. You should have a strong background in RD, preferably in a humanitarian setting or purpose-led product, a proven track record of turning ideas into market-leading solutions, bringing products to market, and the ability to lead a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of product development and market trends, and you excel at balancing the creative aspects of RD with the practicalities of engineering products. With excellent leadership and communication skills, you will inspire, guide and nurture our RD team to deliver groundbreaking innovations that support our companys growth and long-term vision. You are passionate about positively impacting people’s lives.

We are looking for someone who is curious, open to exploring uncharted territories, and willing to challenge the status quo. You are a leader who not only guides the strategic direction of the RD team but also serves as a role model by being hands-on and actively engaging with the technical work alongside engineers, ensuring alignment between high-level vision and day-to-day execution. You thrive in a collaborative environment, and your ability to engage with cross-functional teams, external partners, and stakeholders is critical to your success. Additionally, you are results-driven, with a strong focus on delivering value whilst maintaining a sensitivity to the various and diverse contexts your work will involve.

If you are an enthusiastic leader with a passion for innovation, a strategic mindset, and a desire to shape the future of our company’s RD initiatives, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Results

• Lead the overall RD strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall goals and vision.
• Drive innovation, overseeing the development of new products and the improvement of existing products.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing RD team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, trends, and market opportunities to drive RD innovation.
• Oversee the entire RD lifecycle, from concept development to market.
• Manage RD budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and project prioritisation.
• Ensure that all RD activities comply with relevant regulations and standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in research methods, lowering cost of the products, processes, and team productivity.
• Communicate RD progress and findings to the executive leadership team and other stakeholders.
• Cultivate partnerships with external research institutions, universities, and other organisations to support innovation.
• Work alongside the engineering team hands-on to contribute to design, prototyping and build.

Qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering or Product Development)
• 10+ years of experience in RD leadership roles, preferably in the humanitarian sector.
• Proven track record of managing RD teams and delivering innovative products or solutions.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, from research to development, commercialisation and transfer to manufacturing
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a creative approach to innovation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies.
• Experience in budgeting, resource management for RD projects and developing low-cost products.
• Familiarity with intellectual property management and patent processes.

Other Requirements

• Able to travel to the Bristol and London offices.
• Travel nationally to attend events. 
• Willing to travel internationally. 
• Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. 

Location

Hybrid (Bristol and remote)

Salary

£58-68K based on a 37.5-hour workweek (experience-dependent, pro-rata, flexibility available)

The benefits you’ll get

We offer you a genuinely purpose-led career with a culture built on trust, autonomy, and flexibility. In addition, well give you:

• Lots of flexibility: working from home or doing the school run, we understand that flexibility is essential.
• An annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• 28 days holiday, including 8 statutory bank holidays (pro-rata) + your Birthday off.
• 2 days per year to work with a charity of your choice
• Work phone and laptop.
• 5=10 leave: 10 days’ additional leave on your 5th and 10th years of service!
• £100 contribution to your home working set up to spend as you see fit.
• An annual personal development allowance of £200.
• A tax-efficient group pension scheme.
• Wellbeing support and access to mental health support.
• International travel.
• Lovely working offices at our corporate partners in great locations, with drinks and snacks provided and fun social events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

To Apply

Please complete the application form and attach your CV. If you need any support or adjustments in the application process, please contact .

The deadline for applications is midday (GMT) on the 10th of November, 2024. We will review and progress with shortlisted candidates from when an application is received.

What you can expect after you’ve applied

A team member will reach out after reviewing your application. You must ensure your application is completed correctly through the application form, where you will be able to upload your CV.

We would like to know your background, attitude, and experience and understand your motivation to work with us.

Our selection process typically looks like this:

• 30-45 minute video call with one of our team

• 45-60 minute competency-based interview with the hiring team (you will also complete a task/presentation)

• An additional interview with senior leadership and profiling

At TWMP, youll have a voice, make an impact, and have the opportunity to mould your role. So be ready to learn, have fun, and be inspired by our passionate, talented team.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Please note: We kindly request no contact from recruitment agencies or third-party recruiters.