Director, Research and Development

HKRITA - The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) invites applications for a senior R&D leader to guide the R&D section, shape the research roadmap, and drive centre-owned projects with a strong industry focus.

Reporting to the CEO, the appointee will manage a team, foster collaborations, and engage with global experts to advance textile technologies. A 2-year contract with potential re-engagement is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD or master's degree in Textile & Clothing, Chemistry, Engineering or related field.
• At least 15 years of work experience in textile and clothing or related research, with 10 years in management.
• Strong project management track record and ability to initiate ideas.
• Excellent commercial and industry network.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Good command of written and spoken English and Chinese.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the R&D Research Section.
• Drive the R&D roadmap and initiatives for centre-owned projects.
• Supervise the R&D team to develop project proposals for submission to the Technology Committee.
• Lead or participate in groups, committees, and projects supporting Institute strategy.
• Coordinate global/brand collaboration in textile technologies.
• Maintain contacts with global experts, academics, and industry partners.
• Contribute to policy papers on R&D subjects.
• Collaborate with Business Development to facilitate project commercialisation.
• Take up other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Networking

Communication

Education

PhD or Master in Textile & Clothing, Chemistry, Engineering

Job description

We are The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA).

We are established with funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the HKSAR Government and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

We work with Industry to invent, innovate, and create new solutions that make our industries better and benefit our society.

We are a young, energetic team that delights in bringing together researchers and industry partners.

We thrive on challenges. We are excited by new possibilities. We love to create new and better products, machines, and solutions. Applications are now invited for the following position.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the appointee will be required to:

• Lead and oversee the R&D Research Section;
• Review and drive the R&D road map and to take forward the new initiative of designing and implementing centre-owned research projects;
• Supervise the R&D team to develop/prepare project proposals for submission to the Technology Committee;
• Lead or participate in working groups, committees, task forces, and projects that support the Institute's strategic initiatives;
• Be responsible for the exploration and coordination of global/ branded collaboration in textile technologies;
• Build and maintain close contact with global experts, academics, industry partners and trade organizations;
• Contribute to policy formulation and draft papers pertaining to R&D subjects;
• Work closely with the Business Development Division to facilitate the R&D project commercialisation; and
• Take up other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Salary offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. An initial 2-year contract will be offered to the successful candidate of the post. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.

Requirements

• A PhD degree or master’s degree in Textile and Clothing, Chemistry, Engineering or a related discipline;
• At least 15 years’ work experience in the fields of textile and clothing and/ or relevant experience in research, of which 10 years’ is at management level;
• Strong track record of project management and be able to initiate project ideas;
• Excellent commercial and industry network;
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; and
• Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese.

Applications And Nominations

HKRITA invites applications and nominations for this appointment. Applications and nominations will be accepted from 14 October 2026 to 28 October 2026 (inclusive).

Personal data provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purpose. Details of the Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.hkrita.com/en/about-hkrita/career.