HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

JOB OVERVIEW

• Develop and execute the R&D and Innovation Strategy in line with The Good Rolls missionof sustainable paper production.
  
• Identify and implement innovations that improve fiber yield paper softness tensile strength and energy efficiency.
  
• Drive experimentation in bamboo fiber modification enzymatic pulping and bio-based chemical alternatives.
  
• Evaluate and pilot closed-loop systems (e.g. black liquor recovery water reuse energy integration).
  
• Lead feasibility studies for smart factory solutions such as digital process monitoring inline sensors and predictive analytics for pulp quality.
  
• Establish partnerships with technical universities research labs and technology providers for joint innovation projects.
  

• Oversee formulation and performance testing for all new and existing tissue products.
  
• Innovate in areas such as 2-ply and 3-ply paper design fiber blending ratios embossing technology and softness enhancement.
  
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to co-create new SKUs tailored to market needs.
  
• Ensure each new product meets TGRGs sustainability and B-Corp quality standards.
  

• Lead process optimisation projects targeting yield energy and water efficiency
  improvements.
• Develop best-practice SOPs for pulp refining sheet formation and drying.
  
• Implement trials that reduce fiber loss chemical usage and overall production cost per ton.
  
• Collaborate closely with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Lead to transfer lab findings into full-scale operations.
  

• Oversee all laboratory testing and ensure consistent quality of pulp and finished goods.
  
• Define product specifications test protocols and quality benchmarks.
  
• Collaborate with the Quality & Compliance Manager to maintain ISO 9001 FSC and environmental certification standards.
  
• Create and maintain an internal Innovation Logbook capturing all trials results and learnings for organisational memory.
  

• Research and implement low-carbon and zero-waste production techniques.
  
• Evaluate opportunities for by-product valorisation (e.g. reuse of bamboo sludge energy generation from black liquor).
  
• Drive green chemistry approaches to replace harsh chemicals with biodegradable or enzyme-based solutions.
  
• Partner with The Good Roll Foundation on sustainable production education projects and knowledge sharing.
  

• Build coach and inspire a high-performing R&D team focused on practical innovation.
  
• Promote a test learn and scale mindset across departments.
  
• Organize internal innovation workshops hackathons and training to engage broader teams in creative problem-solving.
  

• Prepare monthly R&D dashboards and present results insights and recommendations to
  the Leadership Team.
• Maintain structured project documentation with cost-benefit and payback analyses.
  
• Share research findings across the TGRG Group to accelerate learning and replication.
  

Requirements

• Masters or Bachelors degree in Pulp & Paper Technology Chemical Engineering or
  Materials Science.
• 812 years of paper mill experience including at least 3 years in R&D or Process Development leadership.
  
• Demonstrated track record in fiber science paper chemistry or sustainable product innovation.
  
• Experience conducting industrial trials and scaling lab findings into production.
  
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with Six Sigma DOE or SPC preferred.
  
• Understanding of environmental impact assessments LCA and circular production systems.
  

• Curiosity and creative problem-solving
  
• Strong technical grounding in pulp & tissue science
  
• Strategic thinking and long-term innovation planning
  
• Data-driven decision making
  
• Collaborative leadership across functions
  
• Passion for sustainability and regenerative industry models
  

• Number of successful product or process innovations implemented
  
• Percentage reduction in cost energy or water per ton produced
  
• Product performance improvements (softness tensile absorbency)
  
• R&D project completion on time and within budget
  
• Intellectual property patents or new formulations developed
  
• Team development and knowledge transfer effectiveness