Role Overview
We are looking for an R&D Team Leader to drive customer-centric innovation in construction chemicals at Saint-Gobain Research India. This role requires good product management capability, combined with deep expertise in specialty polymers and applications such as waterproofing, PU systems, and fireproofing.
The ideal candidate will operate at the intersection of market insight and technical execution, translating customer needs into scalable solutions.
Experience
- 10–15 years of relevant experience (M.S./M.Tech or equivalent)
- Background in product management and business-facing roles in construction chemicals is preferred
Core Responsibilities
- Lead and manage Research & Development initiatives for specialty construction chemical products, incuding especially those involving polymers for building applications, waterproofing, polyurethane (PU) systems, and fireproofing.
- Drive product development and optimization aligned to market and customer needs
- Evaluate new formulations in line with global standards and regulatory requirements
- Support scale-up and commercialization in coordination with production and quality teams
- Track market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies
- Manage R&D budgets, IP, and technical documentation
Team Leadership
- Build, mentor and lead a high-performing, innovation-driven R&D team
- Develop capabilities through continuous learning and external collaborations
Technical & Functional Skills
- Strong understanding of the Indian construction chemicals ecosystem
- Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to oversee simultaneous R&D projects.
- Deep expertise in polymer chemistry for building applications
- Proven ability to manage multiple R&D programs effectively
- Familiarity with standard testing and characterization techniques
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to drive solution development
- Engage with global R&D teams and communicate technical outcomes effectively
Summary
A leadership role combining
product management, technical depth, and stakeholder orchestration to deliver innovative, market-relevant construction chemical solutions.
