Head Research and Development

Head - Research & Development (R&D)

Job Location: Ambernath
Reports to: Technical DirectorExperience: 20+ YearsIndustry: Specialty Chemicals / Surfactants

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, solution-oriented R&D Head to lead our innovation and development initiatives. This is a strategic and execution-heavy role, responsible for spearheading customized product development, aligning innovation with market needs, engaging directly with customers, and driving value creation from lab to plant to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D function across product development, application support, process innovation, and scale-up for surfactants and specialty chemicals.
• Drive market-linked innovation translate customer needs into technically feasible, scalable solutions.
• Work closely with sales and marketing to support business goals through product innovation and application development.
• Engage directly with key customers (domestic and international) to co-develop solutions and build trust-based relationships.
• Drive market intelligence within the R&D team to proactively anticipate industry trends and customer expectations.
• Deliver on commercial targetswork alongside leadership to convert R&D into business outcomes (e.g., creating 2 crore+ value within 24 months).
• Build and mentor a high-performing, agile, and hands-on R&D team.
• Lead from the frontdrive accountability, discipline, and delivery mindset in the lab.
• Ensure strong collaboration across manufacturing, QA/QC, procurement, and regulatory to support smooth scale-up and commercialization.
• Represent the companys technical strength in key customer meetings, industry forums, and technical panels.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education:

• Masters degree (M.Sc.) in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering; ICT alumni preferred.
• PhD is a plus but not mandatory.
• Strong academic or technical background in oleochemicals, surfactants, and oils is essential.

Experience:

• Minimum 20 years in R&D leadership roles in reputed chemical manufacturing companies.
• Strong grounding in applied research, scale-up, and product customization.
• Demonstrated success in engaging with customers, converting needs into high-value solutions.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent communication and presentation skillscan translate complex chemistry into customer value.
• Strong business acumenunderstands commercial implications of R&D decisions.
• Highly organized, task-driven, and result-oriented.
• A natural team leader, who inspires, coaches, and sets a high standard.
• Ready to travel extensivelyboth within India and internationally.
• Passionate about problem-solving and delivering real-world impact through innovation.

What You Get at Viswaat

• End-to-end exposure: From lab bench to boardroom, plant to market.
• No silos: Collaborative, integrated way of working.
• Opportunity to create visible value in a growing environment.