R&D India Site Head

Bayer AG; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer is seeking an accomplished India Site Head to lead the R&D India Hub and drive product development alignment with global strategies. You will own India operations, including talent acquisition, governance, and vendor relationships, ensuring high performance and cost-effective outcomes.

The role requires 7+ years in India site leadership within pharma/MedTech, with strong experience in SaMD/SiMD and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading India-site operations for a global company.
• Deep expertise in SiMD and SaMD required.
• Strong knowledge of Indian employment practices, labour regulations, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D India Hub spanning Engineering, Project Management, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Quality.
• Develop and execute the India site strategy aligned with global priorities.
• Oversee hiring, vendor management, facilities, and governance for India operations.

Skills

Leadership

Talent management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Advanced degree in Life Sciences/Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

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At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

R&D India Site Head

POSITION PURPOSE:

The India Site Head will be part of the Bayer Global Software leadership team and serves as the senior-most leader for the company’s India site operations to enable product delivery and cost efficiency for Bayer’s medical device and diagnostic portfolio within the Indian Market. This role will be responsible for establishing, scaling, and managing the India site in alignment with the organization’s global product and software strategy. As a leader in our Dynamic Shared Ownership culture, you will be accountable for creating a high-performing and engaged India organization that provides resources to matrixed product development teams tasked with delivering on Bayer’s product strategy. As such, this role will own local operational management, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, vendor management, facilities oversight, compliance with Indian regulations, and site governance.

The ideal candidate will have personally stood up or scaled an India site (GCC, captive center, or similar) for a global company, understands the local talent and vendor ecosystem deeply, and can operate as a trusted local anchor for the Bayer parent company.

The incumbent will report directly to Head of Global R&D Radiology software based in the USA.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a VACC leader. Be a role model for embracing and actively championing the DSO operating model and behaviours.
• Organizational Leadership:
  • Build, lead, and manage the R&D India Hub organization (spanning Engineering, Project Management, Regulatory, Medical Affairs, and Quality).
• Lead the establishment and scaling of the India site from early-stage operations through sustainable growth.
• Develop and execute the India site strategy aligned with global business priorities.
• Build operational processes, governance mechanisms, and local management practices.
• Partner with US leadership on capacity planning and organizational growth.
• Own hiring strategy and execution for the India site.
• Leverage an established network within the Indian life sciences and technology ecosystem.
• Build strong recruitment pipelines through vendors, agencies, industry contacts, and professional networks.
• Ensure a high-quality candidate experience and efficient onboarding process.
• Act as the local administrative manager (A-line) for India-based employees.
• Employee Engagement & Culture
  • Create a strong local culture aligned with company values.
  • Drive employee engagement, retention, and development initiatives.
  • Serve as the primary local escalation point for employee concerns.
  • Facilitate collaboration between India-based employees and global teams.
• Manage relationships with recruitment partners, facilities vendors, legal advisors, payroll providers, and other local service partners.
• Utilize existing industry relationships to accelerate site operations.
• Ensure vendor performance, cost effectiveness, and compliance.
• Operations, Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure compliance with Indian labour laws, statutory requirements, and local corporate policies.
  • Oversee facilities, workplace administration, security, and business continuity planning.
  • Support audits and corporate governance requirements related to India operations.
  • Provide regular operational updates to global leadership.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Education: Advanced university degree in Life Sciences and/or Engineering. MBA preferrred
• Experience: At least 7 years experience in India Site Leadership roles for a global organization with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the pharmaceuticals or MedTech industry, of which at least 5 years must be in R&D software development. A deep expertise in SiMD and SaMD is required to lead initial hub activities.
• Domain & Business Acumen: Thorough understanding of the development process for medical device software with experience operating in matrixed reporting structure. Strong understanding of Indian employment practices, labour regulations, and operational compliance
• Relationship Management: Extensive network and understanding of India-based vendors relevant to talent, staffing, facilities, and site operations
• Talent Management: Proven track record in India talent acquisition and workforce scaling
• Leadership & Execution: Strong leadership skills with the ability to steer a high-performing team and set a relentless focus on execution and target achievement. Extensive experience in managing complex projects across cultures and geographies.
• Strategic & Visionary Thinking: Ability to anticipate future trends, identify long-term opportunities and threats within the India ecosystem, and create a compelling vision for the future.
• Negotiation & Influence: World-class negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at the most senior levels.
• Executive Presence: Confident and credible when representing Bayer in global forums, the CLT, the R&D LT, and with key external partners.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to work within and lead cross-functional matrix teams.

Ever feel burnt out by bureaucracy? Us too. That's why we're changing the way we work- for higher productivity, faster innovation, and better results. We call it Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO). Learn more about what DSO will mean for you in your new role here

YOUR APPLICATION

Bayer is an equal opportunity employer that strongly values fairness and respect at work. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, physical characteristics, disability, sexual orientation etc. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.