The posting
- Lead the research and development of new products, formulations, technologies, and processes.
- Identify opportunities for product innovation and improvement based on market trends, customer requirements, and business needs.
- Develop prototypes, samples, and product specifications.
- Conduct trials, experiments, testing, and validation of new products and processes.
- Improve existing products to enhance quality, performance, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure products are developed according to required technical, quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
2. R&D Project Management
- Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple R&D projects from concept through commercialization.
- Establish project timelines, milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
- Monitor project progress and ensure timely completion.
- Identify technical risks and implement appropriate corrective actions.
- Prepare and present project reports and development updates to management.
3. Team Management
- Lead, supervise, and develop the R&D team.
- Allocate tasks and resources effectively.
- Set performance objectives and monitor team performance.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching, and training to R&D personnel.
- Promote a culture of innovation, teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
4. Technical & Laboratory Management
- Ensure proper planning and execution of laboratory and development activities.
- Maintain appropriate laboratory practices, equipment, records, and documentation.
- Ensure testing and development activities are conducted accurately and safely.
- Coordinate calibration, maintenance, and validation of laboratory and R&D equipment.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production to support scale-up, process optimization, and commercialization.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance/Quality Control to establish product specifications and testing requirements.
- Coordinate with Procurement regarding raw materials, suppliers, and alternative materials.
- Work with Sales and Marketing to understand customer needs and market opportunities.
- Support technical investigations related to customer complaints and product performance.
- Provide technical support during product launch and production implementation.
6. Cost Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to reduce product and manufacturing costs without compromising quality.
- Evaluate alternative raw materials, suppliers, formulations, technologies, and processes.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives within R&D and manufacturing processes.
- Monitor and evaluate new technologies, equipment, and industry developments.
7. Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate R&D records, technical reports, specifications, formulations, test results, and development documentation.
- Ensure appropriate intellectual property and confidentiality practices are followed.
- Support regulatory submissions, certifications, audits, and customer technical requirements where applicable.
- Ensure all R&D activities comply with company policies and applicable laws, standards, and regulations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Number and success rate of new products developed
- On-time completion of R&D projects
- Product development and commercialization timelines
- Product quality and performance
- Cost savings achieved through R&D initiatives
- Successful scale-up and production transfer
- Customer satisfaction and technical support effectiveness
- Number of successful product/process improvements
- R&D budget adherence
- Team productivity and development
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, or a relevant technical field.
- Additional professional or technical certifications are an advantage.
- Typically 5–10 years of relevant R&D or product development experience, including supervisory or management experience.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Product development and innovation capability
- Project management skills
- Strong technical and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and people-management skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Data analysis and report-writing skills
- Strong knowledge of quality and regulatory requirements
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Budget and cost-management awareness
- Good knowledge of relevant industry technologies and trends
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant technical/R&D software
Personal Attributes
- Innovative and creative
- Analytical and detail-oriented
- Results-driven
- Strong leadership qualities
- Good decision-making skills
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and willing to learn
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership
- High level of integrity and professionalism



