Head R&D Flavor & Fragrance India

Job Highlights

The primary purpose of this position is to lead and manage the LANXESS Flavor & Fragrance (FFR) India R&D Hub, located in Thane and Nagda, to advance the Business Unit’s innovation and technical support goals within established R&D budgets. This role oversees both applications and synthesis teams, driving research and development activities that deliver value to LANXESS businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. Core responsibilities include supporting business growth through technical and customer support, enabling intellectual property generation, developing new applications for existing products, and driving the creation of new products.

The position is responsible for strategic planning and execution of R&D projects—including budget management, project prioritization, and resource allocation—to align with business priorities. Key duties include contributing to R&D portfolio management as a gatekeeper, collaborating with Business Development to interpret the Voice of Customer, and ensuring that projects address the APAC market’s core needs. The role deploys R&D resources accordingly, provides technical expertise to both customers and internal stakeholders, and leads efforts in hiring, mentoring, and developing R&D personnel. Additionally, the role champions a strong safety culture, oversees laboratory safety meetings, and ensures proper maintenance and operation of lab equipment.

This leadership position is instrumental in ensuring the R&D Hub’s strategic alignment, operational excellence, and sustainable innovation, serving as a bridge between technical teams and business objectives in a global context.

• Coordinate the R&D activities of the two R&D laboratories in India (Thane & Nagda)
• Manage India R&D budget including budget proposals and prioritization to meet budget 
• Actively participate in FFR portfolio management through LIFT stage gate process
• Obtain, manage, enforce, and communicate project prioritization status to ensure projects are executed in accordance with the businesses’ top needs
• Hire, lead and develope R&D personnel in the two Indian laboratories
• Ensure safe working environment for the R&D teams 
• Oversee equipment maintainance and procurement for the two Indian laboratories

Experience and Skills

• Specific Education : PhD degree in chemistry, polymer science or material science
• Work Experience : 10+ years
• Special Skills :Efficient laboratory bench work skills and ability to teach/lead a team in their execution. Written and oral communication skills in English; at all levels and across functional boundaries. Proficient in giving public presentations, writing materials for publication and visiting customers. Organizational and project management skills; able to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and activities without supervision.  Demonstrates strong leadership qualities, able to make decisions.