R&D India Site Head

Bayer CropScience Limited; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 9,000,000 - 15,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayer India seeks an experienced R&D India Site Head to lead the India site operations, scale capabilities, and ensure alignment with global product and software strategy. You will own local governance, talent acquisition, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance to deliver cost-efficient product development for MedTech portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of Global R&D Radiology software, you will build a high-performing team, partner with US leadership, and drive DSO-based execution in a

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in Life Sciences and/or Engineering required; MBA preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years in India site leadership for a global company; 10+ years in pharma/MedTech with 5+ years in R&D software.
• Strong knowledge of SiMD and SaMD, regulatory and compliance requirements in India.

Responsibilities

• Lead establishment and scaling of the India site from early-stage operations to sustainable growth.
• Own hiring strategy and execution for the India site and build recruitment pipelines.
• Ensure compliance with Indian labour laws and corporate policies; oversee facilities and governance.
• Drive employee engagement, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration across global teams.

Skills

Leadership

Talent management

Vendor management

Strategic thinking

Executive presence

Cross-functional leadership

SiMD & SaMD

Education

Advanced university degree in Life Sciences and/or Engineering

MBA

Job description

R&D India Site Head

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.

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

• VACC Leadership:
  • 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).
• Site Establishment & Scaling:
  • 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.
• Talent Acquisition & People Leadership:
  • 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.
• Vendor & Ecosystem Management:
  • 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.

Skills & Competencies

• 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 https://www.bayer.com/enfstrategyfstrategy

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.

Location: India : Karnataka : Bangalore

Division: Pharmaceuticals

Reference Code: 880089