Head – Research & Development (R&D) Location: Mumbai, India Reports to: Technical Director / Managing Director Experience: 20+ Years Industry: 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 targets—work 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 front—drive 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 company’s technical strength in key customer meetings, industry forums, and technical panels. Ideal Candidate Profile Education: Master’s 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 skills—can translate complex chemistry into customer value. Strong business acumen—understands 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 extensively—both 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.