Download The Company - Brainboxes

R and D Manager
Team: Research and Development
Responsible to: Technical Director
The Company
Established in 1984, Brainboxes is one of the leading Serial communication and data acquisition device developers
and manufacturers in the World.
The company’s team of highly qualified software and hardware engineers can deliver custom-made industrial
automation and test & measurement solutions. A Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, the award winning company
operates a world-class volume manufacturing facility with global distribution to match served by offices in the UK, US
and Japan. Our aim is to be a leading designer and manufacturer of data and I/O industrial connectivity products
(Industry 4.0) founded on our long-term customer intimacy track record.
Brainboxes develops, manufactures and supports its own core technologies, including Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth,
ExpressCard, PCI Express and PCI products. The company is at the forefront of developments in serial and remote
I/O technology supplying customers seeking mission-critical industrial automation and test & measurement solutions.
At Brainboxes our mission is to provide innovative data communication products to ensure you can Connect,
Configure and Control your serial and industrial devices. Our advanced design and manufacturing techniques have
been recognised by the Manufacturing Institutes "Manufacturer of the Year Award 2007" and prestigious European
Electronics Industry Awards, "Manufacturer of the Year 2005". Exceptional quality and reliability from Lean Six Sigma
manufacturing processes have enabled Brainboxes to offer customers a lifetime warranty and free technical support
for all serial and data acquisition products.
Overall Purpose:
Management of both staff and Projects within our world class R&D team engaged in the development of new and
existing products.
Summary of Post: R&D Manager









As R&D manager you will be overseeing both experienced and trainee software developers writing code for
embedded applications, web applications and drivers. Knowledge of a number of the following areas is
essential: C#, C++, HTML/JavaScript/CSS, Unit Testing, Integration Testing, Code Reviews, System
Architecture
Day to day management of R&D team members, weekly 1-2-1 meetings, team huddles, staff recruitment,
training, mentoring, management, performance reviews and leave arrangements.
Day to day project management of new & existing R&D projects, and co-ordination and mentoring of
resources to achieve project targets.
Management of customer technical support and technical issues, driving top quality customer service by
enforcing quality and customer service standards; analyzing and resolving quality and customer service
issues; identifying trends; recommending system improvements. Daily reviews with tech support team and
weekly reviews with sales managers.
Active participation in new product initiation, planning, and release stages and meetings.
Acting as team champion in promoting our Integrated Management System (ISO9001/14001), including
continual improvement in all aspects of the Team’s performance
Ensuring robust and effective product testing and accreditation to meet required and desired industry standards
Routine and exception reporting on all of the above to the Technical Director and others as requested, including
preparation and presentation of R&D Key Performance Indicators to stakeholders and management
Other similar duties as agreed with supervisor.
Skills and experience required:



Considerable experience in software development would be preferable.
Some experience in the following is expected: - Project Management, Staff management, supervision, and
coaching/mentoring.
You need an excellent level of literacy and numeracy.




As a trainee manager you will be keen to learn quickly and effectively, and to take every opportunity to
develop the skills needed. You will be fully supported as you learn, but will be expected to use your own
initiative in gaining knowledge and experience in the post.
Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Attention to detail is a MUST.
Full training and mentoring will be given.
Hours:
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Holidays:
20 days per annum (rising to 25 days) plus all statutory Bank Holidays
Pay and benefits:
£25k – £40k per annum dependant on experience, plus employer Stakeholder
pension contributions. Flexitime (Up to half day per month).
Pension scheme available after 12 months
Any other benefits
Status:
Permanent position, based in Hurricane Drive, Liverpool 24.