Assistant Manager - R&D

Job Title: Assistant Manager - R&D

Location: ADIKC, Ranjangaon, Pune

Job Purpose:

• This position leads all the Cost out / Growth /Business Continuity Initiatives for the HVC-Speciality and Durables  Portfolio for S. Asia and SSA.
• This  role includes Product & Process Development with responsibility to introduce new materials and products in line with the PLT team and AOP needs through the DDOS model and via the use of Six Sigma skills / processes. 
• Manage the Processes used for tracking & development including A3 Project plans & Timelines; CTQs; Specifications; Material & application test plans; Stage Gate Reports and Reviews.
• To be the business’s material component expert, including paper / film liner components and other aspects of PSA label design and application.
• Interact /Interface with all sections of the Manufacturing team; Regional & Global Technical Teams and component experts, as well as externally with vendors; customers & business partners.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Locate or develop new raw materials with suppliers to ensure products introduced to market are of the greatest value.
• Work with PLT  teams in identifying new product opportunities and assessing commercial feasibility of new Products.
•  Identify raw material required for producing new laminate products that meet with customers and end-users’ requirements and listed VoC/CTQs.
• Coordinate with relevant functions in setting the project timeline to develop and introduce new products to the market.
• Cross-functionally manage new product development projects with ADIKC and relevant functions and ensure that the new product Introduction to the market is on schedule.
• Work closely with Operation teams in conducting coater trials in the plants, with a focus on managing trials in India Plants.
• Work with knowledge center in conducting converting trials of new products with customers & end-users and collate the Converting trials summary.
• Establish technical specifications of new products and preparation of product datasheet.
• Support Sales & Marketing teams for the launch of new products.
• Report out Cost out number for the region on a monthly basis .
• Provide expertise for resolving technical problems, troubleshoot product and modify/customize product as needed to meet customer needs and requirements.
• Assess customer needs in order to recommend appropriate products/services.  Investigate new applications or improvements to products with customers.
• Gain preliminary understanding of regulatory/compliance requirements related to product and market applications.
•  Provide timely, detailed follow-up trip reports on visits to improve products and services.
• Manage the Processes used for development including VoC/CTQs; New Raw Material & Laminate Specs & Tracking Development projects.

ASPECTS  PREFERRED: 

• Knowledge in narrow web printing technologies such as UV Flexo; Digital; Gravure; Offset and letterpress.
• Knowledge in understanding adhesive formulations/ Top coat formulation and chemistry of the same.
• A previous working experience in a MNC is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Strong Technical report writing & Presentation skills.
• Minitab & Statistical knowledge.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong command of common computer software programs (i.e. MS Office; Minitab; Google Drive etc.).

Key Competencies:

• Drive for results - Self-motivated & Independent.
• Promote collaboration and foster open communication across regional & organization boundaries.
• Focus on customers.
• Analyze problems / issues.
• Exercise insightful judgment.

EDUCATION:

• Masters in Engineering-Chemical/Polymer science
• Required 7-10years of related Technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of working experiences in packaging film / paper manufacturing; adhesive compounding or related industries. 
• Experience with product development and product commercialization processes.
• Strong Project Management skills – Drive; document and execute strategies when leading projects to meet the business needs and timeframes.
• Excellent problem solving analysis and analytical skills.
• Customer focus with strong customer relationship-building experience.
• Independent and team player.
• Excellent written technical and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Lead project teams and facilitate / encourage strong multi functional team work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.