Associate - Research & Development - Bar Soap Vertical

SUMMARY:

- The role of Category R&D Associate is to support the development of new products and technologies bases on relevant consumer insights for the global BAR SOAP vertical.

- The R&D Associate will be responsible for formulation development, analytical testing and project planning to ensure project milestones are met as per timelines.

SCOPE / DIMENSIONS OF ROLE:

- Based within the Category R&D structure the role is positioned to manage technical aspects of the project.

- The role is based out of Gurgaon, India within the global category R&D facility for category bar soap team.

- The role reports to R&D Sr. Associate who in turn reports to the R&D Category Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES:

- Lead regional technical developments on key bar soap initiatives for brand by leveraging prior experience/expertise to help drive pipeline growth.

- Oversee a small technical team on all aspects of development including bar soap formulation, processing, manufacture/scale-up and R&D capability in region.

- Develop technical plans to meet project brief objectives and conduct all technical testing to ensure high quality output & impact.

- Initiate and leverage partnerships with local and global raw material suppliers to deliver existing and new bar soap innovation needs.

- Work with R&D colleagues, regulatory and marketing to support and validate new bar soap claims.

- Partner with supply and quality to conduct all required industrial trials to ensure successful delivery; issue trial reports with findings/recommendations.

- Build a cohesive, motivated and professional team with a result-oriented culture, where personal responsibility/initiative, teamwork, and mutual respect are key.

- Be responsible for the development of his/her team members to enable them to achieve their full potential including formulation development experience on GPPC segments.

- Responsible for ensuring that all development activity within the team conforms to health & safety and quality requirements.

KEY CHALLENGES:

- Using available scientific and technical skills to solve project problems

- Responsible for supporting the delivery of specified project milestones as per committed project timelines

- Liaison with external partners/vendors & colleagues across the international community to provide technical support

- Ready for a fast-paced response to demanding customers with challenging timelines

- Responsible for supporting the delivery of specific project milestones without comprising on safety and quality standards

- Must be willing/able to travel (up to 25%) to support project needs

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/ EXPERIENCE:

QUALIFICATIONS : Educated to Masters/Degree level (Chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering or other relevant science)

EXPERIENCE:

- Minimum 5-10 years R&D experience with a proven track record of delivery.

- Experience of working in Cosmetic Formulation Environment is desirable.

- Strong technical background in bar soap formulation and processing.

- Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a cross functional environment including marketing, supply, procurement, regulatory, clinical and legal team

- Oral & written communication skills to effectively provide feedback to reporting manager and cross functional team members

- Global mindset, commercial understanding of corporate & operational business issues.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to think strategically, develop tactics and measurable implementation plans and able to transform solid thinking into action.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

- In line with company core values, the candidate will be achievement focused and able to work in a direct and often pressurised environment. Entrepreneurial skills in terms of innovation and problem solving are key along with tenacity, tough-mindedness and ability to influence and demonstrate strong team working abilities and commitment

- Strong leadership, influencing, motivational and interpersonal skills.

- Capable of building strong working relationships and motivating teams to deliver outstanding results.

- Strong negotiating skills.

- Strong analytical skills.

- Ability to anticipate, plan and realise significant projects involving multiple technical and scientific hurdles.

- Ability to convert rational thinking into action (a thinker and an achiever).

- Strong intellectual curiosity.

- Appetite for exploring new and previously uncharted territories.

- Openness to change and ability to think out of the box.

- The business language in company is English, therefore fluency in English is essential and fluency in local languages advantageous

- Flexible to travel