Head - Research & Development

Role Overview

The Head - R&D will be responsible for driving the organizations 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.

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

- Masters 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.