Description

R&D and Technical Manager

Location: Chennai, India

Required Language: English

Employment Type: Full-Time

Seniority Level: Mid – Senior Level

Travel Mode: Moderate

Buckman is a privately held, global specialty chemical company with headquarters in Memphis, TN, USA, committed to safeguarding the environment, maintaining safety in the workplace, and promoting sustainable development. Buckman works proactively and collaboratively with its worldwide customers in pulp, paper, leather, and water treatment to deliver exceptional service and innovative specialty chemical solutions to help boost productivity, reduce risk, improve product quality, and provide a measurable return on investment. Buckman is in the middle of a digital transformation of its businesses and is focused on building the capabilities and tools in support this.

Purpose

We're looking for a Technical and R&D Manager to manage the R&D, Regulatory and Technical Services functions for Buckman Asia Pacific. Research and development; oversight of and accountability for Product Development requirements in APAC including the development and introduction of new products in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Reformulation of products for improved quality, cost and or regulatory outcomes. Regulatory; oversight of and accountability for regulatory compliance function in APAC. Technical Services and Quality Control; oversight of and accountability for Technical Services function that provides a broad spectrum of analytical services to internal stakeholders and customers. Oversight of and accountability for Buckman APAC's quality control systems and processes.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree or above in Organic Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry/Polymer Science or relevant discipline
More than 7 years of experience in R&D / formulation products, preferably in Pulp and Paper,
Water Treatment, Leather industries as well as in the Formulator sectors (Paints, Coatings, Metal Working Fluid and similar).
Proven track record in oversight of Phase and Gate process or similar for the evaluation, development and introduction of new technologies.
Have a proven record and demonstrated ability and experience in laboratory organization and management of a team of chemists.
Knowledge in qualitative and quantitative analytical methods involving instrumental and lab bench techniques ( HPLC, FTIR, AA, ICP, etc) is critical.
Knowledge on the product regulatory requirement in APAC different countries, in different industries of Paper and Pulp, Leather and Water Treatment, Chemical Hazard Classification.
Import HS code and similar. Where applicable, ensuring FDA, BfR, Halaal, Kosher, NSF compliance and certification.
Proven track record in the oversight of Quality Management in the specialty chemical sector, with deep ISO systems experience.

Accountabilities

Departmental Management - Effectively lead, manage and develop the Research and Development, Technical Services and Quality Management teams.
Product Development Management - Effectively manage the introduction of new product, backward and horizontal integration and value engineering.
New Product Development - Effectively manage and improve the introduction of new product and/or technology to support growth.
Technical Services Management – Ensure accurate and timely delivery of internal and customer facing technical reports. Ensure full compliance with policies and procedures. Ensure costs are managed appropriately.
SHERQ management – Full compliance with SHERQ policies and procedures. Oversight of Quality Assurance for APAC, ensuring limited or zero non-conformances and striving for improvement as required.
Oversight of Regulatory Compliance for APAC, ensuring limited or zero non-conformances and striving for improvement as required. Remaining up to date on current and anticipated regulatory requirements and proactively preparing for these.

R&D & Technical Manager