Job Description
The Head – R&D will be responsible for driving the organization’s innovation, technology, and product development strategy across specialty materials and value-added solutions. The role will lead the development of next-generation products, advanced formulations, and process technologies aligned with business objectives, market opportunities, and customer requirements.
This position requires a strong blend of scientific expertise, strategic thinking, commercialization capability, and leadership to build sustainable competitive advantage through innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Strategy & Innovation Leadership
Define and execute the long-term research and technology roadmap for specialty material platforms and advanced applications.
Align R&D priorities with business growth objectives, customer needs, and evolving market trends.
Identify emerging technologies, process improvements, and innovation opportunities to strengthen product portfolio competitiveness.
Product & Process Development
Lead the development of new materials, formulations, products, and process technologies.
Drive innovation initiatives focused on performance enhancement, operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost optimization.
Oversee product scale-up, validation, and commercialization activities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with business, sales, operations, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to translate innovation into commercial success.
Collaborate with external research institutes, technology partners, and industry associations to strengthen innovation capabilities.
Support key customer engagements and technical solution development.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
Build, mentor, and lead high-performing multidisciplinary R&D teams.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Develop technical talent pipelines and succession plans for future leadership needs.
Governance & Operational Excellence
Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, safety, and intellectual property requirements.
Manage R&D budgets, project timelines, resource planning, and innovation portfolios effectively.
Drive robust documentation, patent generation, and knowledge management practices.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Skills & Competencies
Strong technical expertise in specialty materials, advanced chemistries, polymers, formulations, or related industrial technologies.
Proven track record in innovation management and successful commercialization of new technologies/products.
Strong strategic orientation with sound business and market understanding.
Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
Ability to lead complex, cross-functional innovation programs in dynamic business environments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
New product commercialization and market impact
Strength of innovation pipeline
Time-to-market for new technologies/products
ROI on R&D investments
Patent filings and intellectual property generation
Team engagement, capability development, and retention
Contribution of new technologies to business growth
Qualifications & Experience
Master’s degree or PhD in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related disciplines from a reputed institute.
Minimum 15 years of experience in R&D, technology development, or innovation leadership within specialty materials, chemicals, or allied industries.
Demonstrated experience leading large R&D teams and driving innovation-led business growth.
Exposure to commercialization, process scale-up, and customer-centric product development preferred.