R&I Director, India

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

We are looking for

Research & Innovation centre Vadodara is a part of RSO (Research Shared Operations) network of Syensqo, with major focus on organic and polymer chemistry. It houses labs from Corporate R&I (RSO) and business units.

The R&I Director, India is responsible for managing and developing the R&I centre in Vadodara as an important WW centre for the group. Define for the entity the R&I strategy in order to deliver good quality research to fulfill customer needs, support Syensqo growth ambition and make the impact in the region as well as globally. 

We count on you for

Site Governance

• Responsible for Operations : HSE, HR & Admisitration as well as Building & Maintenance teams of the R&I center. This includes HSE KPIs, Government licenses & cost aspects (capex & opex) of governance. 

• The site is part of transversal RSO network. Hence, participate in this global network as a stakeholder of the site for sharing best practices and governing the site as per set policies and advises. 

• Also manage Vadodara facility as a host for other functions (Digital, Purchasing, Asset management etc.)

Research Governance 

• Accountable for the scientific & technical quality and results liability of the research center. Managing technology from molecular level to tech transfer. 

• Develop research center by exploring opportunities in the group by proposing viable projects that can cater to the region / globally and are aligned with GBU / Platform / long term strategy. 

• Ensure infrastructure upgradation, people development & competencies management to ensure competitiveness and creditable work culture at the center. 

• Ensure focus on sustainabity both related to chemistries & operations, in alignment with groups’ outlook & beyond.

• Focus on efficient methodologies of research including digitization aspects and impactful systems of working. 

Growth of the Centre

• Real time focus on keeping up with the R&I  trends & deliveries within the organization. Propose new ideas for innovation process and guarantee the competitiveness of new solutions and technologies.

• Responsible for proposing, developing and managing network of academic relationships in India / region to leverage capabilities of India R&I.

Major Stakeholders Management 

• The R&I Directors & key personnel of the GBUs and Platforms present at the site  

• This includes regular interactions, organize and manage the activities projects and innovation works, control the research strategic input regarding the research portfolio & deliver as per expectations. 

• Support to Indian manufacturing plants 

• Business managers in India / group, as applicable

You can count on us for

• High level of autonomy in governance
• Exposure to local and global – internal & external stakeholders and chance to establish professional capability in multiple areas of sciences.
• Opportunities for both transversal as well as vertical growth in the eco-system. 

You will bring

• Ideally you are an Organic / Polymer Chemist / Chemical Engineer (Doctorate will be an advantage) with some experience in the field of R&I
• Technology management. Wide scope of scientific knowledge in the field of organic & polymer chemistry with subject matter expertise in a few topics.
• You understand the phases of R&I – scouting, proposals, synthesis, design & scaleups and the HSE & commercial aspects that go with the process
• You have knowledge of team management, stakeholder / customer management, basic statutory requirements
• High level of technical communication & planning skills
• High achievement drive, influential aspects and adaptability
• Continuous focus on evolving trends – both technical & people management to ensure high level of value creation for the group
• Acting as a mentor towards team members, in fostering culture of innovation

You will get:

• Competitive rewards

• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations

• Training platform for all employees

• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.