R&D Leader

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Job Description:

Position Summary

3M is 123-year-old fortune 500 company, a global leader in innovation, material science and sustainability, with a strong commitment to research and development. The company is known for its diverse range of products and solutions across various industries that include Industrial, Safety, Automotive, consumer goods, and electronics. The company has mastered almost 50 technology platforms which has resulted into patents from the brightest minds solving some of the toughest challenges that its customer faces.

The company is renowned for its commitment to innovation, providing leaders with the opportunity to drive cutting-edge projects and influence product development across diverse industries.

3M's leadership is characterized by its focus on new product introduction, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship.

3M is seeking a visionary and seasoned R&D Leader to head its Commercial Branding & Transportation segment  (CBT) in India. This is one of the largest segments for 3M India where the organization has established a thought leadership over years.

As a Leader, you will lead a team of scientists, engineers, and application experts to drive product innovation, customer-centric development, and technical excellence in support of 3M's Commercial Branding and Transportation portfolio. This includes reflective materials, graphic films, adhesives, signage solutions, Vehicle safety and cleaning and Workplace safety products.

This is a vital leadership position, and the individual will play a key role in defining the strategic direction of the lab, impacting business results, and managing cross-functional initiatives that convert customer requirements into scalable technical solutions.

Additionally, the individual will spearhead transformation and change management efforts throughout the function. The role entails providing thought leadership and representing the company at various industry events, conferences, and technical panels.

Key Responsibilities

 Technical & Program Leadership

• Lead R&D strategy for CBTD India in alignment with global product platforms and regional business needs.
• Oversee development and optimization of graphic films, retroreflective materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and vehicle marking solutions.
• Ensure robust application development and localization of global products to meet Indian/regional requirements.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement short- and long-term R&D strategies supporting market growth, regulatory trends, and emerging customer needs.
• Drive New Product introduction ,guide portfolio decisions, including product innovation, cost-reduction programs, and quality improvement projects.

People & Team Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop a diverse team of R&D professionals, fostering a high-performance and innovative culture.
• Oversee workforce planning, performance management, capability development, and succession planning for the lab.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Global Labs, Regulatory, and Quality to ensure business-aligned technical execution.
• Serve as a technical voice in regional business teams, customer engagements, and global project teams.

External & Customer-Focused Innovation

• Drive technical discussions and joint development efforts with key customers, OEMs, fleet operators, and government stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscape in branding, vehicle safety, and commercial signage.

IP and Compliance Management

• Guide intellectual property strategy to protect innovations and competitive advantage.
• Ensure lab safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards are met at all times.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 15–20+ years of progressive experience in industrial R&D, including at least 5 years in leadership or department head roles.
• Deep understanding of films, adhesives, coatings, or reflective technologies and their end-use in transportation, signage, or branding applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and global collaborations.
• Proven experience in driving innovation to commercialization, managing complex programs, and engaging with customers directly.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic mindset with strong business acumen
• Inspirational leadership and team development skills
• Influencing and stakeholder Management
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Innovation-driven with customer-centric approach
• Proven track record for delivering enterprise- grade solutions  at scale

Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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