Job Purpose:

This role will be instrumental in building an integrated and agile R&D capability, strengthening formulation innovation, supporting long-term product pipeline development and translating market needs into commercially viable products.

Key Responsibilities:

R&D Strategy:

- Define and drive the overall R&D strategy aligned with business goals, market opportunities, and long-term growth priorities.

- Build and actively manage a robust, balanced innovation pipeline across agrochemical formulations, combination products and next-generation crop protection solutions.

- Lead innovation across conventional chemistries and advanced delivery systems, including biological, bio-stimulants, and environmentally sustainable solutions.

- Partner with commercial and marketing teams to translate market insights into high-impact R&D programs.

- Lead competitive intelligence including reverse engineering and benchmarking of global products.

Formulation Development & Product Innovation:

- Oversee end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, including molecule evaluation, lab-scale formulation, stability & compatibility studies, bio-efficacy validation, field trials and performance analysis.

- Work closely with manufacturing for technology transfer, scale-up and cost optimization.

- Drive innovation to enhance product efficacy, resistance management, and farmer value through advanced formulation technologies.

- Lead adoption of advanced technologies including flow chemistry, novel delivery systems, and product replication methodologies.

- Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, startups and technology providers.

R&D Capability & Infrastructure Development:

- Build and strengthen R&D capabilities across formulation, analytical and applied research domains.

- Develop best-in-class laboratory infrastructure, digital systems and data governance practices.

- Standardize research methodologies, documentation systems and knowledge management frameworks.

- Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation and scientific rigor.

Regulatory & Compliance Alignment:

- Partner with regulatory teams to align R&D pipeline with global registration requirements.

- Guide development of data packages (toxicology, residue, environmental studies) to support registrations.

- Anticipate regulatory changes and embed compliance into early-stage product design.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Build, mentor and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary R&D organization.

- Work closely with Marketing & Product Management, Regulatory & Quality, Manufacturing & Supply Chain and Field Research teams.

- Act as a key member of the leadership team contributing to business strategy and growth decisions.

Qualification & Experience:

- Ph.D. or Masters in Agri-Chemistry, Agronomy, Biotechnology or related discipline.

- 18+ years of R&D experience in agro formulation or pharma formulation.

- Proven track record of leading end-to-end R&D functions and delivering commercially successful product pipelines.

- Good understanding of regulatory requirements, field development and product registration processes.

- Demonstrated success in scaling products from lab to commercial manufacturing.

- Strong leadership experience managing large R&D teams and cross-functional programs.

- Exposure to biological, bio-stimulants and crop protection is preferred.