Sr. Manager R&D - Speciality Chemicals & Lubricants

Hire22.ai; Dadri; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Hire22.ai is seeking a Senior Manager – R&D to lead research and development in speciality chemicals and lubricants. The role focuses on formulation development, technology transfer, and scale-up from lab to production to meet market needs.

You will guide the R&D team, drive new product development, and collaborate across functions to ensure successful commercialization and continuous improvement in processes and products.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of R&D experience in speciality chemicals, lubricants, or related chemical manufacturing industries.
• Strong expertise in formulation development, emulsions, lubricants, and metalworking fluids.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the R&D team, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market requirements.
• Drive new product development for polymer applications and improve existing formulations based on customer feedback.
• Lead technology transfer and scale-up of water-based mould release agents, lubricants, die-cast lubricants, and other speciality chemicals from lab to production.
• Develop formulation strategies, establish laboratory capabilities, and define R&D policies.
• Work on water-based, solvent-based, and oil-based formulations including emulsions, surfactants, additives, and corrosion inhibitors.
• Collaborate with Production, QA, Marketing, and cross-functional teams for product commercialization.
• Establish SOPs, streamline workflows, and improve production processes and efficiency.
• Manage product costing, quality assurance, capital budgets, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Conduct product and process audits and implement Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, quality requirements, and safety regulations.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Prepare and present R&D reports and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Speciality chemicals formulation

Product development

Team leadership

Technology transfer

Scale-up processes

Process improvement

Manufacturing optimization

Product costing

Quality management

Cost reduction

Project & budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

SOP development

Compliance management

Continuous improvement

Industry trend analysis

Job description

Hiring: Senior Manager – R&D (Speciality Chemicals & Lubricants)

One of our clients, a growing speciality chemicals manufacturing organization, is looking for an experienced Senior Manager – R&D to lead research and development initiatives, drive new product innovation, and oversee formulation development, technology transfer, and manufacturing scale-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the R&D team, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement R&D strategies aligned with business objectives and market requirements.
• Drive new product development for polymer applications and improve existing formulations based on customer feedback.
• Lead technology transfer and scale-up of water-based mould release agents, lubricants, die-cast lubricants, and other speciality chemical products from laboratory to production scale.
• Develop formulation strategies, establish technical laboratory capabilities, and define R&D policies and procedures.
• Work on water-based, solvent-based, and oil-based formulations, including wax, oil, and silicone emulsions, surfactants, additives, corrosion inhibitors, and metalworking fluids.
• Identify alternative and local sources for raw materials and packaging materials.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams to ensure successful product commercialization.
• Establish SOPs, streamline workflows, and improve production processes, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Manage product costing, quality assurance, capital budgets, and cost-reduction initiatives to improve profitability.
• Conduct product and process audits and implement Kaizen, 5S, best practices, and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, quality requirements, and safety regulations.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Prepare and present R&D reports, project updates, and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Required Skills

• Speciality Chemicals Formulation and Product Development
• Team Leadership and Technical Mentoring
• Technology Transfer and Scale-up Processes
• Process Improvement and Manufacturing Optimization
• Product Costing, Quality Management, and Cost Reduction
• Project and Budget Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• SOP Development and Compliance Management
• Continuous Improvement and Industry Trend Analysis

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of experience in R&D, preferably in speciality chemicals, lubricants, or related chemical manufacturing industries.
• Strong technical expertise in formulation development, emulsions, lubricants, mould release agents, and metalworking fluids.
• Proven experience in transferring formulations from laboratory scale to commercial manufacturing.
• Experience managing R&D teams, setting up technical laboratories, and driving new product development.
• Strong understanding of process audits, quality systems, cost optimization, and manufacturing scale-up.