General Manager -R&D

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

Research & Product Development

• Lead research activities related to organic synthesis, process chemistry, and new product development.
• Develop cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes.
• Identify opportunities for new products and technology improvements.
• Conduct route scouting, process optimization, and yield enhancement studies.
• Support development of specialty chemicals, intermediates, and custom synthesis projects.

Process Development & Scale-Up

• Lead laboratory-to-pilot and pilot-to-commercial scale-up activities.
• Ensure successful technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and recommend improvements.
• Improve product quality, process efficiency, and manufacturing economics.

Project Management

• Plan and execute R&D projects within timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate with Production, QA/QC, Engineering, Procurement, and Regulatory departments.
• Monitor project milestones and provide regular progress updates to management.

Innovation & Intellectual Property

• Drive innovation initiatives and develop proprietary technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, patents, and scientific documentation.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with EHS, GMP, ISO, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain proper documentation and laboratory records.
• Support regulatory filings and customer audits.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor scientists, chemists, analysts, and R&D personnel.
• Develop technical capabilities and succession planning within the department.
• Establish performance goals and monitor team effectiveness.

Budget & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage annual R&D budgets.
• Optimize utilization of laboratory equipment and resources.
• Evaluate and procure new technologies and analytical instruments.

Qualification

• Ph.D. / M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, or related field.
• Additional management qualifications will be an advantage.

Experience

• 15–20+ years of experience in Chemical Manufacturing R&D.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in synthesis chemistry, process development, and commercial scale-up.
• Experience in specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, pigments, or intermediates preferred.

Technical Skills

• Organic synthesis and process chemistry.
• Route scouting and process optimization.
• Scale-up and technology transfer.
• Analytical techniques and interpretation.
• Project management and regulatory compliance.
• Patent drafting and technical documentation.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership & Team Management
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Project Execution
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Business Acumen

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• New product development success rate.
• Process cost reduction achieved.
• Yield and productivity improvements.
• Successful commercial scale-ups.
• Patent filings and technology innovations.
• R&D project completion within timelines.
• Team productivity and retention.

Reporting To

Location