Construction Research & Development Analyst
John Paul Construction is an international technical contractor specialising in the data centre, life sciences, residential, and commercial sectors. This Irish-owned and managed business directly employs over 700 people and delivers projects across Ireland, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
The company’s performance across safety and sustainability was recognised during 2025 in receiving the Green Construction Award at the 2025 Green Awards, along with a Gold Award and an Exceptional High Achiever Award at the National Irish Safety Awards. The company also received the President’s Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. In the same year, John Paul Construction was also certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’®.
John Paul Construction is seeking a motivated and curious individual to lead on research and development in the construction industry.
This is a full-time permanent role reporting directly to the Group Innovation Director.
The successful candidate will play a central role in identifying, developing, and embedding innovative solutions across the business — from new materials and construction technologies to process improvements and digital tools.
The role will work closely with Design Managers and Project Managers to collate information from across live projects and feed it into the innovation pipeline.
The role would suit a professional with a background in construction engineering who has a genuine interest in innovation within the built environment. Construction industry experience is required.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation Identification & Strategy
- Liaise with the Group Innovation Director to identify and evaluate potential innovations, new products, materials, construction methods, and emerging technologies.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and academic or research developments relevant to the construction sector.
- Assist in the development and periodic review of the company's Innovation Strategy and roadmap.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with internal stakeholders across operational and functional departments to identify challenges, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with project teams, and supply chain partners.
- Act as a point of contact for innovation queries from project teams and business functions.
- Represent the company at relevant industry events, working groups, and innovation forums.
R&D Recording & Revenue Claims
- Engage with project stakeholders to identify, document, and maintain records of qualifying R&D activities in line with Revenue guidelines.
- Collate and track costs associated with R&D initiatives, including labour, materials, subcontractor costs, and overheads, in collaboration with the commercial and finance teams.
- Ensure appropriate contemporaneous records are maintained to support R&D tax credit claims.
- Develop annual R&D reports and manage the preparation of R&D tax credit claims for submission to Revenue.
- Liaise with external tax advisors, auditors, and Revenue as required in connection with R&D submissions.
- Support the coordination of queries and responses between project teams, third parties, and external consultants in connection with R&D submissions and innovation initiatives.
Innovation Workshops & Idea Development
- Support the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of innovation workshops and ideation sessions across the business.
- Develop structured processes to capture, evaluate, and prioritise ideas generated from workshops and day-to-day operations.
- Support pilot projects and proof-of-concept trials for selected innovations, tracking progress, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Communication & Knowledge Management
- Develop and deliver communications to promote innovation initiatives across the business, including internal newsletters, presentations, and project updates.
- Manage and maintain a centralised knowledge library of innovation initiatives, case studies, research, and outcomes for future reference.
- Support onboarding and training of project staff on innovation tools, processes, and R&D recording requirements.
Requirements
The following criteria will be used in shortlisting and selection. Candidates should address these in their application.
- Degree-level qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline
Experience
- Minimum 3-years' experience in a site-based construction engineering role
- Demonstrated interest or involvement in innovation, R&D, or continuous improvement programmes
- Experience in the construction or built environment sector
- Experience preparing or supporting R&D tax credit claims (Revenue/HMRC)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to produce clear reports and presentations
- Good analytical skills with ability to evaluate technical and commercial information
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and work to deadlines with limited supervision
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)
- Ability to support workshops and engage diverse stakeholder groups
- Familiarity with innovation frameworks (e.g. Stage-Gate, Design Thinking, Lean)
- Experience with data management, knowledge management, or document control systems
Personal Attributes
- Intellectually curious with a genuine passion for innovation and new ways of working
- Collaborative team player with the ability to build relationships at all levels
- Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working in an evolving environment
- Commercially aware with an understanding of how innovation creates business value
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Pension contribution
- Generous Relocation Allowance (where applicable),
- Career progression opportunities within a growing business
- Opportunity to work on high-profile and technically challenging projects
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
We fully embrace the right of all employees to work in an environment that ensures equal opportunity and treatment with dignity and respect.
