Head Research Development Department

Job Description – Head – R&D

Position: Head – Research & Development (R&D)

Experience: 12+ Years

Industry: Petrochemicals / Chemicals / Polymers / Resins

Qualification: B.Tech / M.Tech / M.Sc. – Chemical Engineering, Polymer Technology, Polymer Science, Chemistry or related field

Location: Dahej, Gujarat

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced R&D Head to lead the R&D strategy, technology roadmap, product development and innovation initiatives for our petrochemical/polymer business. The ideal candidate should have strong industry knowledge and experience in Petrochemicals/ Chemicals/ Polymers/ Resins/ EPS/ Polystyrene or related industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall R&D strategy and technology roadmap for the business.
• Drive development of new products, formulations, polymers/resins, processes and applications.
• Establish and strengthen R&D laboratories, research processes, technical standards and development protocols.
• Lead product development from laboratory research → pilot trials → scale-up → commercial manufacturing.
• Drive process improvement, yield enhancement, quality improvement, cost optimization and sustainable product/process development.
• Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex product and process issues at plant level.
• Collaborate closely with Plant, Production, Quality, Engineering, Sales and Business Development teams for product commercialization.
• Build technical collaborations with international technology partners, research institutions, universities, laboratories, suppliers and industry experts.
• Coordinate technical discussions and joint development programs with stakeholders across Europe, Middle East, Asia and other international markets.
• Evaluate global technologies, emerging materials, manufacturing processes and international R&D developments.
• Explore and implement AI, data analytics, modelling and digital tools for research analysis, formulation/process optimization, predictive modelling and knowledge management.
• Develop and manage the R&D team, including scientists, chemical engineers and technical professionals.
• Establish R&D priorities, project milestones, budgets and measurable deliverables.
• Support IP, patents, technical documentation and technology transfer initiatives, wherever applicable.
• Represent the organization in technical conferences, industry forums and domestic/international collaborations.

Candidate Profile

• 12+ years of relevant R&D / Product Development / Technical experience.
• Strong experience in Petrochemicals / Chemicals / Polymers / Resins; experience in EPS / Polystyrene / Styrenics will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in new product development and commercialization.
• Experience in leading R&D teams and cross-functional technical projects.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exposure to international technology collaborations and global R&D trends will be preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.