R & D Head (Rubber or polymer )

This role is for one of Weekday’s clients
Min Experience: 14 years
Location: Bhavnagar
JobType: full-time

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Head of R&D (Rubber/Polymer) to lead our research and development function. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in rubber and polymer technology, strong leadership experience, and a proven track record of driving innovation and product development within the chemical, petrochemical, or rubber/polymer industry. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping the company's R&D strategy, guiding advanced material research, and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet evolving market demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Define and execute a forward-looking R&D roadmap aligned with business goals, market trends, and customer needs in the rubber and polymer domain.
• Team Management:
  Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team comprising chemists, material scientists, engineers, and technicians. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on innovation and excellence.
• Innovation & Product Development:
  Drive new product innovation, material formulations, and performance enhancements in rubber and polymer compounds. Ensure scalability, cost-effectiveness, and commercial viability of R&D outputs.
• Technology Advancement:
  Oversee fundamental and applied research in polymer science, elastomer behavior, curing systems, material blends, and process optimization. Leverage scientific insights to develop novel formulations and breakthrough applications.
• Collaboration:
  Partner with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality, Marketing, and Business Development to ensure smooth transition of R&D outcomes into manufacturing and commercialization.
• Process Development & Optimization:
  Provide technical direction on compounding, testing, and processing techniques for rubber and polymer products. Introduce innovative practices and technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product performance.
• Regulatory & Compliance:
  Ensure all R&D activities comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations. Oversee documentation, IP management, patent filings, and technical reports.
• Customer Engagement:
  Collaborate with key customers and industry stakeholders to understand technical requirements, co-develop products, and deliver customized solutions.
• External Partnerships:
  Build and maintain relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and technology vendors to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education:
  Ph.D. in Rubber Technology, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience:
  Minimum of 14 years in R&D roles within the rubber, polymer, chemical, or petrochemical industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Technical Expertise:
  In-depth knowledge of rubber compounding, polymer blends, elastomeric materials, additive technologies, and industrial applications.
• Leadership:
  Proven ability to lead and manage large R&D teams, oversee multiple concurrent projects, and deliver results within time and budget.
• Communication:
  Strong communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Capable of articulating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Analytical Thinking:
  Excellent problem-solving skills, with a structured approach to experimentation, validation, and data-driven decision-making.