Head of Science and Innovation, North America
About The Position
The Director of Science & Innovation provides strategic leadership for the regional research teams, focusing on urban entomology and technical brilliance to drive growth in the NA Pest business. This role exists to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial application, delivering the technical insight necessary to develop best in class proprietary innovations in Termite, Vector and Residential pest solutions. Key stakeholders expect this leader to provide a scientific foundation for new products, translating customer problems into science-led innovative solutions. Ultimately, this role ensures that Rentokil Initial retains a market-leading position through a high-performing innovation ecosystem and a robust pipeline of "Proof of Concept" solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Entomology, Biology, Chemistry) or related field required.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in the Pest Control or a directly related industry within the US market.
- Proven track record of progressive leadership, with at least 7 years of experience managing specialist technical teams or high-performing research functions.
- Significant experience leading innovation across both hardware and chemical/consumable product areas.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets and operating within a global, multi-national matrix organization.
- Visionary Leadership: A “people first” leader with the ability to develop and communicate short and long-term scientific goals and innovation strategies.
- Strategic Execution: Proven ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable commercial strategies and compelling narratives for stakeholders.
- Innovation & Risk Management: Skilled at championing new techniques while anticipating and mitigating technical or regulatory disruptions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expert at building relationships across borders and cultures to influence outcomes at the Senior Management and CEO level.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of urban entomology, biocides, and pesticides, with the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
Nice To Haves
- Post-graduate qualification (Masters or PhD) in a related scientific field is highly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead the North American Science & Innovation research team, providing strategic direction and technical expertise to drive regional and global growth.
- Identifying customer-relevant “problems” and formulate new product requirements in collaboration with US and UK-based cross functional teams
- Execute the early innovation funnel by sourcing, exploring, and developing proprietary ideas to the Proof of Concept stage.
- Manage the NA Innovation Center budget, planning process, and return on investment while ensuring the facility meets the highest scientific and safety standards.
- Establish and maintain a best-in-class network of external partners, including inventors, academia, and industry bodies, to source exclusive intellectual property.
- Partner with marketing and commercial colleagues to provide novel scientific claims support and technical insight for international key account bids.
- Monitor the global market for emerging pest trends and competitor products, conducting rigorous testing to assess claims and inform group strategy.
- Oversee the project management process within the science team to ensure high-pace delivery and alignment with the wider business priorities.
Benefits
- Benefits Start Day 1 for Full-Time Colleagues - No Waiting Period!
- Professional and Personal Growth
- Multiple avenues to grow your career
- Training and development programs available
- Tuition Reimbursement benefits (for FT Colleagues)
- Health and Wellness
- Full-time colleagues are eligible to begin enrollment immediately upon hire with benefits starting on day 1
- Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more
- Savings and Retirement
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching contributions
- Work-Life Balance
- Vacation days & sick days
- Company-paid holidays & floating holidays
- A company mindset that prioritizes health, safety, and flexibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
