Head of Research And Development

Role Content:

As a key member of the India Steering Team, the Head of R&D – India/MENA will lead the R&D innovation strategy for the regions, driving development and implementation of strategic initiatives, innovation solutions to achieve business growth and financial targets; oversee the innovation pipeline, ensuring products meet market demands, cost targets, regulatory requirements, and emerging consumer needs. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of innovation in Richs India/MENA regions, ensuring alignment with global standards while catering to local consumer needs. The role is pivotal in coaching and developing team members to elevate innovation maturity. This incumbent will play a pivot role in the global innovation leadership team, serving as a thought leader and functional expert who demonstrates a ‘think global, act local’ mindset, driving both enterprise-level functional priorities while delivering results for the India/MENA BU.

This role requires cross-functional collaboration with multiple internal and external business stakeholders. A strong balance of people leadership, project management ability, communication skills, analytical thinking, and creative problem solving with the ability to influence and introduce innovative and impactful innovation programs is essential in the role.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & innovation

• Partner with BU leader to define and execute the long-term R&D strategy in alignment with business growth plans.
• Champion innovation across categories.
• Lead strategic initiatives such as new product development, formula upgradation, compliance & regulatory and sustainability.
• Act as liaison with various functions to ensure interdependent coordination and to sustain effective support for strategic plans/direction and key innovation program; collecting and updating information sources/database.

Product Development & Commercialization

• Own end-to-end New Product Development process from planning to launch, includes scheduling, leading product stability and performance study, selection and modification, developing test procedures and ensuring these standards conform to national and international standards.
• Ensure technical feasibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of new products.
• Drive continuous improvement of existing products based on consumer insights, market trends and global guidance.
• Partner with Marketing and BU Leader to prioritize projects to ensure maximal ROI and develop project plans

Compliance and Regulatory

• Strong understanding of legal compliance of all products including local and international food regulations, raw materials standards, process systems, labeling, packaging etc. to ensure product design meets all requirements
• Can represent the company to participate in standard committees and associations for food industry
• May represent R&D in audits, certifications, and compliance reviews.
• Support regulatory team in legal registration processes and certification of products with local and central authorities.

Risk and IP Management

• Assess and manage risks associated with innovation projects.
• Implement strategies to mitigate potential challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Oversee the protection of intellectual property resulting from innovation activities.
• Work with legal teams to secure patents, trademarks, and other relevant protections.

Global & cross- function collaboration

• Collaborate with global R&D teams to adapt and localize international innovations.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing for seamless execution.
• Engage with external partners, universities, and suppliers for co-development and open innovation

Innovation Support & People Leadership

• To develop Best Practices for technical procedures and processes.
• Drive accountability, consistency, quality, and process standardization across all phases of research and development.
• In accordance with company objectives develop and monitor research plans and budgets for R&D projects, ensuring projects are completed on time and within cost objectives.
• To maintain confidentiality for Patents, Copyright & Discover.
• Lead a team of scientists, food technologists, chefs / application manager, product development managers. Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team with future-ready skills.
• Promote a culture of experimentation, agility, and technical excellence.
• Lead talent development, succession planning, and capability enhancement.

Ideal Candidate:

• An ideal candidate would be a qualified Bachelors (prefer Master’s or PhD) in Food Technology, Food Science, Dairy Technology, Chemical/Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related disciplines with 18+ years of progressive experience in food R&D, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in leading innovation pipelines and launch commercially successful products.
• Experience leading global, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed organization. Prefer candidates with extensive technical experience in multinational companies and have demonstrated adaptability to diverse work cultures.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing long-term innovation strategies and driving complex R&D programs.
• Experience managing partnerships with external research institutions, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience in managing large teams and cross-functional projects.