Head - Research & Development

Key Responsibilities:

1. R&D Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and execute the overall R&D strategy to support the companys goals for product innovation, quality improvement, and market differentiation.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the R&D team to foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Ensure the R&D function aligns with the business objectives and contributes to the company's long-term success.

2. Formulation & Product Development:

• Oversee the formulation of new products, ensuring they meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards.
• Lead the design and development of new products, ensuring that all products align with market trends, consumer demands, and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with the marketing and business heads to gather insights and translate them into actionable R&D projects.
• Ensure all product formulations comply with industry regulations and sustainability guidelines (if applicable).

3. Team Management & Development:

• Manage and develop the R&D team, ensuring the team is equipped with the skills and resources needed to excel in their roles.
• Provide guidance and support to R&D staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations.
• Foster an environment of continuous learning and encourage professional development within the team.

4. Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Communication:

• Collaborate with the heads of other departments (e.g., Quality, Purchase, Operations, and Business Development) to ensure alignment of product development with market needs and business objectives.
• Provide technical support to other departments, including assisting in the preparation of marketing materials, product testing, and ensuring timely product launches.
• Act as the main point of contact between R&D and other departments to ensure smooth communication and the timely completion of projects.

5. Innovation & Research:

• Drive innovation by exploring new ingredients, technologies, and methodologies for product development.
• Stay current with industry trends, scientific advancements, and consumer needs to continuously improve the product development process.
• Encourage a forward-thinking approach, keeping the company ahead of competitors in terms of product offerings and technology.

6. Project Management:

• Oversee the end-to-end development of products, ensuring all phases of the R&D process (from concept to commercialization) are well-managed.
• Establish clear project timelines, milestones, and deliverables for the R&D team.
• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously while ensuring quality, cost control, and timely delivery.

7. Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across various projects.
• Monitor and control costs related to product development, ensuring alignment with financial targets.

8. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that all products meet regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., FDA, GMP, etc.).
• Oversee the testing of new products for efficacy, stability, and safety, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure proper documentation and quality control measures are followed.

9. Reporting & Documentation:

• Report on R&D progress, challenges, and key insights to senior management and business heads.
• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of product formulations, testing procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelors or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetology, Biology, or related discipline).
• A Ph.D. in a relevant field is a plus.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in research and development, with a proven track record of leading teams in the product development process.
• Strong experience in formulation, new product development, and managing R&D teams.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams to achieve common goals.
• In-depth knowledge of product development processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Experience in personal care, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals industry.
• Familiarity with natural or Ayurvedic products is a plus.