Head of Research & Development- FMCG/Pharma -Delhi-NCR

Michael Page; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 7,000,000 - 10,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global innovation platforms

World-class R&D networks

Senior leadership exposure

Strategic cross-functional impact

Job summary

Michael Page's client, a multinational FMCG player, seeks a seasoned R&D and Innovation leader to drive end-to-end NPD from ideation to launch. You will steer formulation development, leverage sensory science, and align with marketing, manufacturing and regulatory teams.

You will mentor large technical teams, lead external collaborations, and uphold strict quality and sustainability standards across global R&D programs.

Qualifications

• Define and execute the R&D and innovation strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) from concept to launch.
• Drive formulation development, product renovation and technology platforms.
• Leverage consumer insights, sensory science, and market trends for differentiated products.
• Partner with Marketing, Commercial, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory and Global R&D.

Responsibilities

• Champion stage-gate processes across innovation programs.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing technical and scientific teams.
• Lead external collaborations with academic institutions, technology partners, and suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence in R&D.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

PhD preferred

Job description

• Accelerate New Product Development, Build Sustainable Competitive advantage thro
• Spearhead Innovation, Product Development & Scientific Excellence for India

About Our Client

Our client is a Multi-Billion Global FMCG company with presence in more than 40+ countries across the globe and has multiple plants across India in addition to a dedicated R&D Centre in Delhi-NCR

Job Description

• Define and execute the R&D and innovation strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) projects, from concept generation through commercialisation and launch.
• Drive formulation development, product renovation, technology platforms, and portfolio innovation.
• Leverage consumer insights, sensory science, and market trends to create differentiated products and claims platforms.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Commercial, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Global R&D teams.
• Champion robust stage-gate processes and methodologies across innovation programs.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing technical and scientific teams.
• Lead external collaborations with academic institutions, technology partners, suppliers, and industry bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant quality, regulatory, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Drive continuous improvement, scientific rigor, and operational excellence across the R&D function.

The Successful Applicant

Candidate Profile- Essential Qualifications & Experience

• 20+ years of progressive experience in Research & Development, Product Innovation, Formulation Science, or related technical leadership functions within reputed multinational organizations.
• Demonstrated experience operating successfully within a complex global matrix structure.
• Master's degree and/or PhD from an Institute of Eminence or internationally recognized institution in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Proven track record of leading NPD programs from ideation to successful market launch.
• Deep expertise in formulation development, product innovation, and scientific validation.
• Strong experience in sensory sciences, consumer research methodologies, and claims substantiation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to influence senior leadership across functions and geographies.
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and driving high-performance cultures.

Preferred Background

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry, Food Technology, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Exposure to FMCG or adjacent innovation-led industries.
• Certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma, Lean, or equivalent would be advantageous.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Scientific depth in formulation technologies and analytical methodologies.
• Commercial awareness with a consumer-centric innovation mindset.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead transformation and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Strong balance between strategic vision and operational execution.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead innovation for a globally recognised consumer products powerhouse.
• Direct impact on business strategy, growth, and category leadership.
• Exposure to world-class innovation platforms, global R&D networks, and emerging technologies.
• Highly visible leadership role with significant influence across regional and global stakeholders.