Global Director, R&D & Innovation

WE Soda; Çankaya; On-site; TRY 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

WE Soda, the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash, is seeking a Director – Research, Development & Innovation to lead its R&D and technology strategy. Reporting to the COO, you will shape governance, establish roadmaps, and build an integrated global R&D capability across multiple locations, including Türkiye and the United States.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive process development and technology advancement, and partner with universities and industry to commercialize

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Process Engineering or related technical discipline.
• MSc, PhD or equivalent advanced degree would be advantageous.
• Typically 15+ years of relevant professional experience in R&D, technology development, process engineering or innovation leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the R&D, technology and innovation strategy aligned with long-term priorities.
• Establish technology roadmaps to support growth, ops excellence, sustainability and competitiveness.
• Build and lead a scalable, high-performing R&D and Innovation organisation.
• Lead programmes focused on process development, product enhancement and tech advancement.
• Oversee lab, pilot-scale and industrial-scale development activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

R&D management

Technology development

Stakeholder management

Process optimization

Team leadership

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related

MSc/PhD or equivalent

Job description

WE Soda, the world’s largest producer of natural soda ash, is seeking a Director – Research, Development & Innovation to lead its R&D and technology strategy. Reporting to the COO, you will shape governance, establish roadmaps, and build an integrated global R&D capability across multiple locations, including Türkiye and the United States.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive process development and technology advancement, and partner with universities and industry to commercialize