Manager Research & Development

People; Peshawar City Tehsil; On-site; PKR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Peshawar is seeking a Manager Research & Development to lead product development and optimise current offerings. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree and has 5-7 years of relevant experience in product development, especially in MDF and particleboard manufacturing. Responsibilities include leading R&D efforts, collaborating with marketing teams, and ensuring alignment with industry trends.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in Product Development, R&D, or Technical Management.
• Strong knowledge of MDF and particleboard manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with laminate and chemical formulation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, prototyping, and testing of new finishes.
• Continuously evaluate and optimise the existing product portfolio.
• Manage the R&D team and budget, collaborating with Marketing.

Skills

Market/trend analysis

Process optimisation

Data analysis

Research abilities

Knowledge of design trends

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design, Business Administration

Job description

About the job Manager Research & Development

Job Requirements

• Lead the development, prototyping, and testing of new MDF, particleboard, and laminate finishes and designs that align with global interior design and architectural trends.
• Continuously evaluate and optimise the existing product portfolio, benchmarking against competitors to identify gaps, recommend SKU enhancements, and ensure alignment with customer demand.
• Improve manufacturing processes for greater efficiency, cost savings, and quality, while championing sustainable practices like agroforestry and low-emission adhesives to exceed E1 compliance.
• Conduct deep-dive research and competitive audits on regional and global design trends (textures, colours, finishes) to create actionable R&D roadmaps that anticipate customer preferences.
• Develop the presentation standards for products, including catalogues, sample kits, and Design Studio showcases, to strengthen brand positioning and differentiate from competitors.
• Manage the R&D team and budget while working closely with Marketing and the Design Studio to create product storytelling, position new innovations, and protect intellectual property.
• Act as the chief technical expert to support high-value sales opportunities. This includes accompanying the sales/projects team to meetings with key architectural firms, major developers, and large-scale furniture manufacturers to explain the technical advantages of the company's portfolio, advise on product specification, and secure buy-in from technical decision-makers.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree
  (Discipline: Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Design, Business Administration). A Master's will be preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in Product Development, R&D, or Technical Management within Building Materials, Laminates, Chemicals, or Furniture Manufacturing.
• Proven experience in market/trend analysis and process optimisation.
• Strong knowledge of MDF and particleboard manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with laminate and chemical formulation techniques.
• Strong research abilities and data analysis skills.
• Solid understanding of design and colour trends.