Hiring: Senior Manager – R&D (Speciality Chemicals & Lubricants)

One of our clients, a growing speciality chemicals manufacturing organization, is looking for an experienced Senior Manager – R&D to lead research and development initiatives, drive new product innovation, and oversee formulation development, technology transfer, and manufacturing scale-up.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and mentor the R&D team, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Develop and implement R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market requirements.
Drive new product development for polymer applications and improve existing formulations based on customer feedback.
Lead technology transfer and scale-up of water-based mould release agents, lubricants, die-cast lubricants, and other speciality chemical products from laboratory to production scale.
Develop formulation strategies, establish technical laboratory capabilities, and define R&D policies and procedures.
Work on water-based, solvent-based, and oil-based formulations, including wax, oil, and silicone emulsions, surfactants, additives, corrosion inhibitors, and metalworking fluids.
Identify alternative and local sources for raw materials and packaging materials.
Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful product commercialization.
Establish SOPs, streamline workflows, and improve production processes, product quality, and operational efficiency.
Manage product costing, quality assurance, capital budgets, and cost-reduction initiatives to improve profitability.
Conduct product and process audits and implement Kaizen, 5S, best practices, and continuous improvement programs.
Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, quality requirements, and safety regulations.
Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
Prepare and present R&D reports, project updates, and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Required Skills

R&D Strategy Development
Speciality Chemicals Formulation and Product Development
Team Leadership and Technical Mentoring
Technology Transfer and Scale-up Processes
Process Improvement and Manufacturing Optimization
Product Costing, Quality Management, and Cost Reduction
Project and Budget Management
Cross-functional Collaboration
SOP Development and Compliance Management
Continuous Improvement and Industry Trend Analysis

Ideal Candidate Profile

15+ years of experience in R&D, preferably in speciality chemicals, lubricants, or related chemical manufacturing industries.
Strong technical expertise in formulation development, emulsions, lubricants, mould release agents, and metalworking fluids.
Proven experience in transferring formulations from laboratory scale to commercial manufacturing.
Experience managing R&D teams, setting up technical laboratories, and driving new product development.
Strong understanding of process audits, quality systems, cost optimization, and manufacturing scale-up.

Sr. Manager R&D - Speciality Chemicals & Lubricants

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