Team Leader -Construction Chemicals

Need: An R&D team leader  to drive customer-centric innovation for construction chemicals at Saint-Gobain Research India,  with a background in specialty polymers and applications like waterproofing, PU-based systems, and fireproofing. This role will be at the intersection of marketing insights and technical excellence.

Work experience: ~10-18 years of relevant work experience {MS/Mtech or equivalent)

Core Responsibilities

Lead and manage Research & Development initiatives for specialty construction chemical products, incuding especially those involving polymers for building applications, waterproofing, polyurethane (PU) systems, and fireproofing.

Oversee product formulation, development, and optimization to address specific market and customer needs while maintaining technical excellence and innovation.

Direct and evaluate new formulation feasibility, keeping pace with industry standards (ASTM, ISO, BIS, EN) and environmental/safety regulations.

Coordinate pilot plant trials, scale-up processes, and support commercialization by collaborating with production, quality control, and technical teams.

Conduct market analyses, competitive benchmarking, and maintain awareness of emerging technologies and trends in construction chemicals and specialty polymers.

Manage R&D budgets, intellectual property (patents, trade secrets), technical documentation (TDS, MSDS), and product certifications.

Team Leadership

Mentor and supervise a team of scientists, engineers, and lab technicians, fostering a safe, collaborative, and innovative research environment.

Promote continuous learning and technical growth, encouraging participation in co-development opportunities with academic institutions and research partners.

Technical Skills and Competencies

Deep understanding of Indian construction chemicals market and the corresponding ecosystem. Expertise with a strong understanding in polymer chemistry (with a Masters degree + work exp as listed above), especially as applied to construction chemicals and building applications such as waterproofing, PU-based systems, and fireproofing.

Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to oversee simultaneous R&D projects.

Familiarity with laboratory and chemical testing instruments (rheometers, FTIR, SEM, viscometers, etc.) and robust documentation and communication abilities.

Collaboration and Communication

Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including raw material suppliers, customers, applicators, and cross-functional teams, providing technical support, training, and troubleshooting.

Prepare and present research findings, maintain ongoing technical dialogue across national and international Saint-Gobain research centers.

This role requires a blend of  market understanding, customer needs, technical knowledge, people management, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong emphasis on applied polymer science in specialty construction chemical systems.