R&D Director: Strategy & Partnerships in Wellness

PERSOL; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a leading Japanese science-focused firm, seeks an R&D Director to lead strategy and research programs across Asia. You will oversee in-vitro, in-vivo, and human studies to validate ingredients and products and drive commercial opportunities.

The role requires 8–10 years in R&D leadership, strong university partnerships, and experience in FMCG/biotech. You will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and collaborate with product teams to translate insights into validated offerings.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Nutrition, Biotechnology, or related fields.
• 8–10 years of experience in R&D leadership and innovation management.
• Proven experience managing external research programmes and multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Ability to source, evaluate, and manage research partners and institutions.
• Experience negotiating research contracts and commercialization agreements.
• Strong understanding of clinical and applied research methodologies.
• Background in FMCG, consumer health, wellness, or biotechnology preferred.
• Proven capacity to connect scientific research with commercial opportunities.
• Experience managing stakeholders across scientific and operational functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall research and innovation strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with universities and collaborators across Asia.
• Design and oversee new research programmes including in-vitro, in-vivo, and human studies.
• Lead negotiations on project scope, budgets, timelines, IP ownership, and commercialization rights.
• Manage a portfolio of research projects to support business opportunities.
• Provide leadership on research priorities and resource allocation.
• Supervise external research projects to ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Translate market opportunities into actionable research directions and programmes.
• Collaborate with product development and business teams for validation and commercialization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and scientific trends relevant to wellness and consumer health.
• Represent the organization to internal/external stakeholders and report to the Chief Scientific Officer.

Skills

R&D leadership

Innovation management

External collaborations

Contract negotiations

Clinical/research methodologies

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in Life Sciences/related field

Job description

Our client, a leading Japanese science-focused firm, seeks an R&D Director to lead strategy and research programs across Asia. You will oversee in-vitro, in-vivo, and human studies to validate ingredients and products and drive commercial opportunities.

The role requires 8–10 years in R&D leadership, strong university partnerships, and experience in FMCG/biotech. You will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and collaborate with product teams to translate insights into validated offerings.