Research And Development Manager

About the role

The Research and Development Manager will lead all R&D activities related to product formulation, development, packaging, quality and improvement, ensuring the portfolio stays competitive, cost‑effective, innovative and compliant with Henkel’s standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise product development, reformulation and improvement projects aligned with market needs and company standards.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee product trials, including new raw materials, formulations and packaging, ensuring quality compliance.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and Supply Chain to identify cost‑optimization opportunities and alternative raw materials.
• Work closely with Marketing and Sales to capture market requirements, customer feedback and competitive insights for new product initiatives.
• Investigate customer complaints and product‑related feedback, drive root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Resolve quality issues arising in production, warehousing or from suppliers of raw and packaging materials.
• Evaluate and approve raw material, packaging and product specifications in coordination with relevant departments.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, operating instructions and technical documentation.
• Interpret laboratory and application test results, recommend product improvements or corrective actions.
• Conduct competitive product analysis to identify opportunities for optimization, quality improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure new product developments and modifications are properly tested, documented and transferred to production.
• Provide technical support to Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Marketing and other departments.
• Monitor trends in raw materials, technologies, formulations and packaging to drive innovation.
• Gather and analyse technical data, prepare R&D reports, trial reports and maintain accurate documentation.

Required profile

Required skills