Area Manager Laboratory - R&D

About Nayara Energy - Nayara Energy is a new-age downstream energy and petrochemicals company with a formidable presence spanning across the entire hydrocarbon value chain, from Refining to Retail. Nayara Energy operates in India for India driven by a relentless commitment to fuel the nations energy aspirations. At the heart of our operations lies the Vadinar refinery, Indias second-largest single-site refinery with a capacity of 20MMTPA.With over 6,300 Retail Outlets, we cater to the need for reliable and safe mobility across the length and breadth of the country. We have adopted a phase wise asset development strategy to enter the petrochemicals sector which will be a significant step in our crude to chemicals journey. Through sustainable development projects in Health and Nutrition, Education and Skill Development, and Sustainable Livelihoods, Nayara Energy enhances the quality of life in the communities it operates in. Delivering value for all our stakeholders is at the very core of our beliefs and we are committed to providing the energy that fuels the dreams of our employees, customers, partners and communities.

Job Purpose - Lead and coordinate RD initiatives to enhance refinery operations, product quality, and profitability. Oversee project planning, execution, and team performance while ensuring safety, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals. Drive innovation in refining processes and product development, and facilitate knowledge sharing, patenting, and publication of research outcomes.

Educational Qualifications Certifications

• M.Tech / M.Sc / Ph.D. (preferred) in Chemistry or related field

Relevant (Functional/Level) Total Years of Experience

• Minimum 15 years in refinery/petrochemical RD
• Hands-on experience in synthesis and characterization of refining additives
• Expertise in FCCU, hydroprocessing, catalyst evaluation, and RD commissioning

Functional Skills

• Proficient in organic reactions and petroleum chemistry
• Skilled in instrument selection, technical evaluation, and procurement
• Knowledge of product quality, safety, environmental, and energy management systems

Behavioural Skills

• Strong team leadership and collaboration
• Customer-focused problem solving
• Strategic thinking and project execution

Research Strategy Execution

• Identify and prioritize RD projects aligned with business objectives
• Plan and schedule research activities to meet defined timelines
• Supervise project execution from concept to completion
• Guide development of new products and process improvements to enhance GRM
• Review research progress and provide technical direction to the team

Technical Operational Oversight

• Provide analytical and technical support to Operations, TS, and EPS
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for integrated decision-making
• Procure instruments and equipment for current and future research needs
• Develop and validate new experimental techniques and analytical procedures
• Prepare documentation for patents and scientific publications

Budgeting Resource Management

• Plan and control Opex and Capex budgets
• Manage manpower recruitment, training, and multiskill development
• Oversee AMC planning for critical instruments
• Implement cost-saving measures and optimize resource utilization
• Set short- and long-term departmental goals

Strategic Planning Benchmarking

• Align RD initiatives with organizational vision and future expansion
• Monitor global trends in crude characterization and processing
• Benchmark research quality against international standards
• Plan new RD projects based on emerging technologies and market needs

Compliance Safety

• Ensure adherence to EMS, OHSMS, RIMS, and ISO 50001:2018 standards
• Implement hazardous/non-hazardous waste management procedures
• Conduct safety audits, incident investigations, and initiate corrective actions
• Promote safe work practices and maintain accident-free operations