R&D Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation

Ashland • Bridgewater, NJ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP is hiring a Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation for its Personal Care business unit. This is a senior leadership role based at Ashland’s Bridgewater, New Jersey innovation center, reporting to the Sr. R&D Director, Personal Care. The role leads the global Hair Care R&D organization and is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing the Hair Care R&D strategy and delivering R&D initiatives in support of the Hair Care division.

The position oversees decision-making, leadership, and project-development priorities, including effective allocation of resources across the network. It works closely with global Personal Care Sales and Marketing teams to execute growth strategies and with Central R&D to develop new technologies. The leader will build talent and capabilities across the segment, promote cross-functional collaboration, and ensure strong organizational performance.

This is an applied research and people-leadership role, not an academic research position or individual-contributor role. It is not hybrid or remote: the role is based primarily at the Bridgewater innovation center, with limited travel to other sites. The role leads approximately 25 researchers around the globe.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including technology development and implementation, leading and developing teams, and driving innovation in a heavily regulated industry.
• Strong Hair Care background, including experience in ingredients and formulation.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence through publications or patents in personal care.
• Significant experience operating in a global technical and business environment.
• Ability to influence outcomes through effective cross-functional communication.
• Excellent leadership skills, demonstrated through hiring, retaining, developing, and motivating high-performing scientific talent.
• Track record of driving accountability and fostering problem-solving within a team.
• Ability and desire to work at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills, a good work ethic, and a positive attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in EPA- and/or REACH-governed end markets.
• Experience with nature-derived polymers, surfactants, and specialty ingredients.
• Proven track record of successful new product launches.

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 improvement of existing products.
• Ensure the Hair Care pipeline is healthy, robust, and delivers meaningful market innovations.
• Provide leadership and direction to a global team of about 25 researchers.
• Lead cross-functional teams developing hair care technologies that address portfolio gaps and marketplace needs.
• Ensure the team has the competencies and structure needed to implement the long-term strategy.
• Drive accountability for talent selection and development, succession planning, and a sustainable talent pipeline.
• Work with the commercial management team to identify new product opportunities in hair care business segments.
• Partner with global Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Regulatory teams to bring new products from development through commercialization.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, and other center-led functions to ensure effective partnerships and alignment.
• Contribute to competitive portfolio analysis and the development of differentiated portfolio strategies.
• Build close partnerships with Personal Care Leadership Team members and other stakeholders and incorporate best practices into the business unit.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and benefits.
• Pay-for-performance incentive plans.
• Opportunities for development and advancement throughout the global organization.
• A diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued.

What This Job Offers

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