Job Title: Head of Polyacrylic Polymer Research

Department: Research & Development (R&D)
Location: Pune, India and Belgium
Reports To: Global R&D Director

About Us

We are a leader in sustainable chemical solutions, in collaboration with Aquapharm, are seeking a visionary leader to head the global polyacrylic polymer research initiatives. This role is pivotal to driving innovation, enhancing product portfolios, and meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly, high-performance solutions in industries like water treatment, detergents, and consumer products.

Role Overview

The Head of Polyacrylic Polymer Research will lead the development, optimization, and commercialization of polyacrylic polymers, focusing on sustainability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves directing cutting-edge research, managing cross-functional collaborations, and ensuring alignment with global market needs and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership in Research and Development

• Define and execute the R&D strategy for polyacrylic polymers, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.

• Lead the innovation of advanced polymer solutions tailored to applications like water treatment, oilfield chemicals, and detergents.

• Drive research on enhancing polymer performance in terms of stability, dispersion, and environmental impact.
  
  
  
  
  
   

2. Product Development and Optimization

• Oversee the development of new polymer formulations, focusing on biodegradability and regulatory compliance.

• Optimize existing polymer products (e.g., BASF Sokalan, Dow Acumer) for better performance, reduced costs, and scalability.

• Ensure that R&D outputs meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Compliance

• Spearhead initiatives to develop biodegradable and eco-friendly polymer variants.

• Ensure all products comply with international regulatory standards like REACH and EPA.

• Focus on reducing the ecological footprint of polymer products without compromising performance.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with manufacturing, product management, marketing, and sales teams to ensure seamless technology transfer from R&D to commercialization.

• Build partnerships with external stakeholders, including suppliers, academic institutions, and industry bodies, to leverage new technologies and market trends.

5. Process Development and Scale-Up

• Lead the development of scalable production processes, ensuring efficient transition from lab-scale research to industrial-scale manufacturing.

• Partner with engineering teams to ensure the reproducibility and cost-effectiveness of production methods.

6. Market Intelligence and Strategic Direction

• Monitor market trends, competitor developments, and customer needs to identify new opportunities for polyacrylic polymer applications.

• Define the strategic direction for polymer R&D to maintain the company’s competitive edge.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

7. Team Leadership and Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing global R&D team.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence within the team.

• Ensure continuous skill development and professional growth for team members.

Qualifications

Education

• PhD/MSc in Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering (or a related field).

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in polymer R&D, with a focus on polyacrylic polymers.

• Proven track record of leading global R&D initiatives and launching successful polymer products.

Skills

• Expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation development, and application in industrial sectors (e.g., detergents, water treatment).

• Strong understanding of biodegradable polymers and sustainability principles.

• Knowledge of regulatory standards such as REACH and EPA.

• Exceptional leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful commercialization of new polymer products.

• Improvement in product performance metrics (e.g., stability, dispersion, cost).

• Reduction in time-to-market for R&D projects.

• Achievement of sustainability goals, including biodegradability and regulatory compliance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to lead a global team and work on groundbreaking polymer innovations.

• Collaborative work environment focused on sustainability and innovation.