Head Research & Development

Job Overview:
The Head R&D is responsible for overseeing and driving Research and Development activities within in the field of construction chemicals. This includes developing innovative products enhancing existing formulations and ensuring that R&D projects align with market demands and company goals. The role also involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful Product Development and Commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product Development: Lead the formulation and development of new construction chemical products (Waterproofing Flooring Grouts Trading products). Enhance existing product formulations to improve performance cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
• Research Initiatives: Keep abreast of industry advancements and leverage them to drive innovation. Identify and evaluate new technologies raw materials and methods relevant to construction chemical industry.
• Project Management: Plan and execute R&D projects from concept to commercialization. Develop project timelines allocate resources efficiently and monitor progress to meet deadlines.
• Testing and Analysis: Oversee lab testing to ensure product performance meets established standards. Analyse test data to optimize formulations and resolve technical challenges. Introduce sophisticated instrumentation techniques like FTIR NMR HPLC GC XRD techniques into Research & Development work.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the external customers (Raw Material vendors Research/Academic Institutions Testing Labs etc) & internal customers (Quality Control Production Procurement and Marketing teams) to ensure R&D projects align with business requirements quality and production requirements and meet customer expectations.
• Documentation: Ensure experimental records and compliance to ISO 9001:2015 HALAL HACCP CE ETAG certifications. Prepare MIS technical reports product specifications and regulatory documentation as needed.
• Compliance: Ensure that R&D activities comply with all applicable safety regulations and environmental guidelines. Stay updated with industry standards and regulatory changes.
• Supplier Interaction: Collaborate with suppliers for sourcing and testing new raw materials. Assess the quality and suitability of materials for product development.
• Team Management: Manage and mentor a team of R&D Managers Executives Chemists and Technicians. Provide training and support to enhance their technical expertise and performance.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends customer needs/BOQs and opportunities for product innovation. Incorporate market insights into the development process.
• Problem-Solving: Address technical issues related to product performance and development. Provide innovative solutions and optimize processes to overcome challenges.
• Reporting: Prepare and present R&D reports to senior management highlighting progress challenges and opportunities for new product development cost optimisation.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Chemistry Chemical Engineering or a related field. A Masters degree is preferred in Chemistry or Polymers or Metallurgy. Ph.D in Polymer Organic or Inorganic Chemistry or Metallurgy.
• Experience: 15-17 years of experience in R&D roles within a manufacturing environment preferably in the construction chemicals industry.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of construction chemicals raw materials and formulation techniques. Familiarity with analytical and testing methods.
• Innovation: Demonstrated ability to innovate and develop new products or enhance existing formulations.
• Project Management: Experience in managing multiple R&D projects with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex technical challenges.
• Leadership: Proven leadership and team management skills to motivate and guide an R&D team.
• Communication: Strong communication and presentation skills for effectively sharing technical concepts with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance requirements related to R&D and manufacturing environments.

Must-Have Attributes:

• Ph.D. in Polymers/Materials Science with 15 years of expertise in R&D with a strong grounding in construction chemicals/cement industries.
• Proven track record in managing end-to-end product lifecycles from conceptualization to market introduction and post-launch optimization.
• Experience working in a global R&D setup engaging with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams across multiple geographies.
• Experience working with academic institutions vendors and industry bodies to co-develop next-gen technologies is required.
• Strong hands-on leader with a strategic mindset able to contribute to executive-level decisions influencing technology direction revenue impact and brand positioning.
• A decisive execution-oriented leader with excellent interpersonal skills high accountability and the ability to effectively engage negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.