Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation

Ashland • Bridgewater, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP is seeking a passionate, tenacious, and ingenious Sr. R&D Leader, Global Hair Care to join the Personal Care business unit at their Bridgewater, NJ innovation center. This is a central, visible, and significant role within the Personal Care team and the R&D function at Ashland. The position reports to the Sr. R&D Director, Personal Care and is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing the Hair Care R&D strategy, leading the global Hair Care R&D organization, and ensuring the delivery of R&D initiatives to support the Hair Care division. The role involves overseeing decision-making, leadership, and prioritization of project development, ensuring agile and efficient resource utilization to meet business goals. Collaboration with global Personal Care Sales and Marketing teams to execute growth strategies and with Central R&D to develop new technologies is key. The individual will also focus on building talent and capabilities within the segment to ensure the current and future health of the Hair Care R&D organization, fostering cross-functional collaboration and delivering high performance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics, or related scientific/technical discipline required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including technology development and implementation; leading and developing teams and driving innovation in a heavily regulated industry; preferably in EPA and/or REACH governed end-markets.
• Strong Hair Care background with experience working in the ingredients and formulation spaces.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence through publications/patents in the area of personal care.
• Significant experience operating in a global technical and business environment, preferably in nature derived polymers, surfactants, and specialty ingredients.
• Proven track record of successful new product launches.
• Ability to influence outcomes, utilizing effective communication skills across functions.
• Excellent leadership skills, as evidenced by a track record of hiring, retaining, developing, and motivating top-tier scientific talent.
• Proven track record of driving accountability and fostering problem-solving within the team.
• Ability & desire to function at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Strategic & analytical thinking skills and a pleasant and engaging style.
• Excellent communication skills, good work ethic and positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the Global Personal Care R&D leadership team and share responsibility for division-wide business priorities.
• Oversee and supervise all R&D development and innovation efforts within the Hair Care segment.
• Direct the development of new products and the improvement of existing products.
• Ensure the Hair Care pipeline is healthy and robust and brings meaningful innovations to the Market.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of about 25 researchers across the globe.
• Lead cross-functional teams responsible for developing hair care technologies that will fill gaps in the current portfolio and satisfy the needs of the marketplace.
• Ensure the team has the competencies and structure required to implement the long-term strategy.
• Drive accountability for the selection and development of talent and succession within the organization to ensure an effective, sustainable model and talent pipeline.
• Responsible, along with commercial management team, to identify new product opportunities in hair care business segments.
• Partner with global teams in Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Regulatory to bring new products from development to commercialization.
• Collaborate and develop strong relationships with human resources, finance, and other center-led functions to ensure effective partnerships and alignment.
• Contribute to competitive portfolio analysis and creation of differentiated portfolio strategies.
• Forge close partnerships with other members of the Personal Care Leadership Team and other key stakeholders, ensuring “best practice” is incorporated into this business unit.

Benefits

• industry competitive salary and benefits
• pay-for-performance incentive plans
• a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued
• opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree