Group Leader Job in Clariant

Lead strategic initiatives to grow and expand the Regional Research Center (RRC) by interfacing with key BU/SU stakeholders. Member of GTI India Leadership team involved with defining key decisions and policies for the Center, jointly with Head of RRC. Collaborate actively within the RRC, across global CHR Competence Centers, global and regional BUs and external customers and contribute to innovation pipeline value 50-100 MCHF. Lead a team of Scientists/Experts to ensure success of regional and global R&D projects from Idea to Commercialization. Propose innovative concepts and develop new technology platforms to address unmet needs of market; Translate ideas to Projects. Adhere to high safety standard; Mentor coworkers and ensure good laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

R&D Project Execution

• Responsible for technical project frame: Defining objectives with BU/GTI, technical feasibility, IP creation
• Drive the project forward with creativity, endurance and collaborations to meet milestones and objectives
• Formulate the vision for focus area, encapsulation and delivery systems, expand proprietary encapsulation technologies and scout for new breakthrough technologies both internally and externally
• Expand innovation project pipeline and lead successful execution of projects from idea to commercialization
• Interface with business responsible to understand the requirements and propose the technical approaches and plans with clear timelines and budgets.

People Management

• Foster culture of lab safety and good laboratory practice
• Set priorities and review the work progress regularly
• Guide and advance people in upgrading technical skills coupled with behavorial skills
• Identify gaps in technical and soft skills of team members and nominate for necessary trainings

Knowledge Management

• Share know-how actively within and beyond Research center, support Head of Research Center
• Develop contacts with Universities and coordinate joint scientific collaborations
• Build and expand Patent Portfolio in field of competence

Be Creative in Research and Development

• Identify new opportunities by participation in internal and external ideation/brainstorming workshops
• Nurture innovation culture and generate new ideas to fulfill innovation pipeline
• Propose new technology focus areas and feasibilities in line with emerging trends
• Develop new technology platforms with potential to expand the same to new applications

R&D Project Portfolio Management

• Take lead in designing technology strategy for the area of competence
• Lead project portfolio reviews with Marketing for strategic alignment
• Participate in Stage Gate Meetings and ensure use of CPPM to track project deliverables jointly with BU

Growth and Expansion of Regional Research Center

• Lead budgeting process including CAPEX, operational costs and resource utilization for BU projects
• Lead strategic initiatives to grow the Regional Research Center by interfacing with key BU/SU stakeholders
• As Member of GTI leadership team, be involved with defining key decisions and policies for GTI in the region

Requirements

• PhD in Colloids and Interface Science/Polymer Science/Physical Chemistry with 15 years of experience, preferably in a specialty chemical company
• Experience in microencapsulation, nanoencapsulation, delivery systems and sound knowledge about different encapsulation techniques with various applications, preferably in specialty chemical industry. Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) would be an added advantage.
• Knowledgeable with various characterization techniques of encapsulated systems and ability to correlate with the performance of encapsulated products. Micro, Nano structure characterization, and release methods experience is highly desirable.

• Experience in leading a lab team of PhD, postdocs and MSc's. Create formal and informal opportunities to develop, coach and empower the team
• Visionary and strategic thinker, creative, open minded, able to motivate and nurture a culture of innovation across the R&D team
• Understanding of cross geographical sensitivities and ability to work with cross-cultural teams.
• Excellent English language skills for oral and written communication together with good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Consistently good academic record. Minimum first class from SSC onwards

Our Offer

With People as a key priority for Clariant we offer an attractive platform to leverage your expertise and experience while providing opportunities to learn, grow and strengthen your capabilities by offering tailored and impactful learning initiatives.

Our Total Remuneration aims to support the ambition of Clariant to be an employer of choice and strive to attract, motivate and retain capable people. Additionally we strive to provide a collaborative and a Safe work environment for our People to enable them to deliver their best.

We believe in providing a sense of purpose to our People and invite you in our journey to create a high-performing, sustainable organization.

Clariant is a focused and innovative specialty chemical company based near Basel in Switzerland. Last year the recorded CHF 6.6 billion in sales harnessing the talents of its 18 000 employees across 53 countries.

Clariants portfolio is optimized for future growth, with a focus in four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysts, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings.

We believe that our growth is all about our customers and their success. Investment in innovation capabilities and developing inspiring environments for courageous and determined minds are therefore key to reaching our goal.

Join us and help create through chemistry for customers all over the globe.

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