Baby Care Applied R&D Group Manager

Hayat; Başiskele; On-site; TRY 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Hayat in Turkey is seeking a Baby Care Applied R&D Group Manager to join the R&D Hygiene team at its Kocaeli HQ. The role leads R&D and new product development projects, collaborating with international teams to drive innovation across baby care and hygiene products.

Qualifications include a Master’s degree in Engineering/Science and 15+ years of R&D experience in related sectors, with strong leadership, planning and communication skills. Travel and relocation to Kocaeli are expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering or science is required.
• 15+ years of R&D experience in baby diaper, personal care or hygiene.
• Strong track record leading R&D projects and delivering results.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Willing to travel and relocate to Kocaeli if needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and new product development projects from concept to implementation.
• Visit international subsidiaries to monitor R&D progress and risks.
• Provide technical leadership in product development and innovation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, Procurement and other functions.
• Monitor timelines, resources and milestones to ensure timely results.
• Develop team capabilities through objectives, feedback and development.
• Represent R&D in regional and international projects and meetings.

Skills

R&D leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Master27s degree in Engineering/Science

Job description

Founded in 1987, Hayat operates in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, serving millions of consumers globally with 16 powerful brands. Hayat’s portfolio includes Molfix and Bebem Natural in baby care; Molped in feminine care; Joly, Evony, and Goodcare in personal healthcare; Bingo, Gleen, Test, and Has in home care; Papia, Familia, Teno, and Focus in tissue paper; and Sholk in pet care. As the 4th largest branded diaper manufacturer in the world and the leading tissue producer in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa, Hayat employs over 10.000 people across its operations.

Hayat operates 21 production facilities in 8 countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Algeria, Russia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Vietnam, and manages sales and distribution companies in Morocco, Bulgaria, Kenya, Thailand, and Malaysia. With its global operations structured under three main regions Eurasia & Americas, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific Hayat reaches over 100 countries across 5 continents, bringing its brands into millions of homes worldwide.

We are currently seeking a talented “ Baby Care Applied R&D Group Manager” to join our dynamic “R&D Hygiene” team. Based at our “Headquarters” in “Kocaeli”, this role will contribute to transformative projects under the Consumer Group “Global” “R&D”.

If you want to be part of a diverse and vibrant community where your ideas can shape the future of the FMCG industry and your contributions can create a lasting global impact, then Hayat is waiting for you!

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced academic background in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field, with a Master’s degree required,
• 15+ years of experience in R&D, product development, ideally within the baby diaper, personal care, or hygiene industry,
• Strong track record of leading R&D projects and delivering results in complex and fast-paced environments,
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and crisis management capabilities,
• Strong ability to influence and collaborate across functions, supported by excellent communication and stakeholder management skills,
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and international teams,
• Highly proactive, self-motivated, and accountable, with a strong ownership and results-driven mindset,
• Excellent planning, prioritization, organization, and execution skills,
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to manage changing priorities and thrive in a dynamic corporate environment,
• Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, learning, and new technologies,
• Fluent in written and spoken English,
• Willingness to travel as required by the role,
• Based in Kocaeli or willing to relocate to Kocaeli.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Lead and oversee R&D and new product development projects from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with business, technical, quality, and regional market requirements.
• Conduct regular visits to international subsidiaries and affiliates to monitor R&D projects, review progress, identify potential risks and opportunities, and ensure successful implementation of projects.
• Contribute to and provide technical leadership in product development and innovation projects, supporting the identification and implementation of new technologies, materials, and solutions.
• Establish effective collaboration with cross-functional and international teams, ensuring alignment among R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, Procurement, and other relevant functions.
• Monitor project timelines, resources, deliverables, and key milestones, taking appropriate actions to manage risks, resolve issues, and ensure timely delivery of results.
• Develop team capabilities by setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, supporting individual development, and fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and innovation-driven team culture.
• Represent the R&D function in relevant regional and international projects, meetings, and technical platforms, ensuring effective communication and knowledge sharing across the organization.