Assistant Manager – R&D

About Our Client: Our client is a leading home and personal care company in India, well-known for its wide portfolio of trusted consumer brands. With a strong distribution network and consistent growth over the years, the company has established itself as one of the key players in the FMCG sector, driving innovation and customer loyalty across diverse product categories.

Job Description: Executive / Assistant Manager – R&D (Homecare)

Location: Pondicherry

Experience: M.Sc. in Chemistry or M.Tech in Oils/Oleochemicals mandatory

Qualification: 4–8 years in the FMCG industry formulation

Work Mode: Mon-Sat (WFO)

About the role: We are seeking a passionate and hands-on R&D professional to join the Homecare R&D team. The role involves end-to-end product formulation, scale-up, and process stabilization for detergent powders, liquids, dishwash liquids, and other homecare products. The incumbent will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive new product development and continuous product improvement.

Responsibilities:

1. Product Development & Formulation

• Independently develop and optimize formulations for detergent powders, liquid detergents, dishwash liquids, and other homecare products.
• Execute lab-scale, pilot-scale, and plant-scale batches, ensuring smooth transition from concept to commercialization.
• Identify and evaluate new raw materials and technologies for innovation and cost optimization.

2. Cross-Functional Project Management

• Collaborate with Marketing, Manufacturing, Packaging, QA, and Legal teams for New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD).
• Manage project timelines, documentation, and approvals to ensure timely market launch.

3. Technical & Manufacturing Support

• Provide on-ground technical support during plant trials, process validation, and product stabilization.
• Visit own and third-party manufacturing units for product implementation and troubleshooting.

4. Vendor Evaluation & Raw Material Qualification

• Conduct vendor audits as part of the vendor approval process.
• Evaluate new and alternate raw materials through lab and pilot studies for product compatibility and performance.

5. Product Stability & Quality Testing

• Design and execute stability studies for new and existing products under different environmental conditions.
• Record, analyze, and interpret stability data to ensure product performance and shelf-life consistency.

6. Documentation & Lab Compliance

• Prepare and maintain product specifications, test methods, and formulation documentation.
• Ensure adherence to lab safety norms, conduct safety audits, and manage chemical inventory in compliance with R&D standards.

Desired Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of surfactants, builders, enzymes, fragrances, and colorants used in homecare formulations.
• Hands-on experience in formulation scale-up from lab to commercial production.
• Good analytical skills and familiarity with testing equipment and stability protocols.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Proactive approach to innovation and continuous product improvement.

Preferred Industry Background:

• Candidates from leading FMCG or contract manufacturing setups in Homecare / Fabric Care / Dishwash / Surface Cleaning categories.

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