Head - Application & Product Development

Role overview

This position leads the creation of a dedicated research and development setup focused on applied research for chlor-alkali products. The goal is to improve existing products and processes, add value, and build new product variants and applications for industrial, water treatment, plastics, and allied sectors in line with business goals. The role also requires building strong technical capability to solve customer issues, conduct testing and analysis, and support product certification.

Research centre setup and long-term planning

• Define and drive long-term R&D goals and project plans for the centre.
• Spot new market segments that need fresh products and work with marketing to create those offerings.
• Set up a plasticizer centre and define the scope of the application development centre.
• Prepare the annual plan and budget for the R&D centre and secure approvals.
• Create monthly MIS dashboards and review presentations for leadership meetings with BH, SBU Head, and CMO.
• Select technically skilled resources for the R&D centre.

New product and application development

• Study market trends and internal strengths to recommend new development opportunities.
• Ensure products are field-tested across suitable application areas.
• Partner with supply chain teams to standardize raw materials and testing methods.

Recognition, accreditation, collaboration, and certification

• Work with government bodies to complete required formalities and submit applications.
• Build partnerships with recognized institutes and organizations for research projects.
• Identify needed certifications and ensure existing product certifications for DCA are maintained.
• Support plants during annual audits and help close non-conformities.

Product and process improvement

• Improve product consistency through pilot trials and structured trials.
• Monitor, review, and control testing processes against defined benchmarks.
• Support manufacturing teams in improving current products and processes.
• Design pilot tests, quality plans, documentation, and reporting formats.
• Help marketing develop product data sheets, brochures, and related material.

People leadership and team development

• Set clear objectives and review routines for team members.
• Build training plans to strengthen team capability.
• Provide guidance, direction, and motivation to the team on an ongoing basis.

Customer and sales technical support

• Create and maintain a strong knowledge base by evaluating raw materials, products, and applications.
• Conduct regular training sessions for internal teams, dealers, and customers on new product development, applications, and market trends.
• Work directly with customers to identify issues and develop solutions.
• Arrange pilot and plant-scale trials at customer locations.
• Handle customer complaints, support corrective improvements, and keep management informed.

Communication and intellectual property

• Represent the organization at seminars and exhibitions through technical presentations and research updates.
• Ensure research outcomes are published and patented where applicable.

Safety and policy compliance

• Maintain strong laboratory safety practices, including control of meteorological conditions where relevant.
• Ensure implementation of HR processes and company policies.

Experience required

The role calls for 18 to 22 years of relevant experience in research and development, product development, application support, or related technical leadership roles.

Work location

Vilayat, Bharuch, Gujarat.