I have been instrumental in implementing new product development strategy from initial market requirement through technical feasibility, optimization and transfer lot manufacture. As Head of R&D at Lab M and Neogen, I both led my own dynamic team and co-ordinated critical activities with other key stakeholders in order to successfully complete timely development and commercialisation activities to bring to market key products in the Lab M and Neogen culture media portfolio. I set and managed the R&D departmental budget (both consumables and CAPEX) and had responsibility for recruitment of staff into the team. I engaged directly and built relationships with suppliers to identify candidate raw materials for both technical suitability and to establish lead times and initial pricings. I excel in providing high level technical support to key account and product managers to answer and resolve customer queries and application specific issues. I have held of role of site Biological Safety Officer for 16 years. I implemented biological safety best practice, risk assessments and monitored ongoing compliance by reviewing relevant legislation for employees and trained all new starters.I am confident in using the QPulse quality system, SAGE, TMS and Solomon, Workfront, IDBS Electronic Lab Book management in addition to Microsoft Office programs. I have completed full training through Neogen’s innovation program to “Black Belt” level and am qualified as a trainer for this process. Here are my proudest achievements:I was awarded a Churchill travelling fellowship for Biochemical Engineering which enabled me to carry out a 3 month tour of academic institutes and commercial companies in the Netherlands and Germany at the cutting edge of biofiltration and bioremediation technologies.Throughout my career I have both mentored and enabled the career advancement of over 30 scientists, the majority of which have gone on to have successful careers in microbiology or biotechnology.