R&D Leader - Seed Enhancement

R&D Leader - Seed Enhancement

Croda is a FTSE100 organisation focused on our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives™. With a market capitalisation of ~£6 billion and nearly 6,000 employees globally, we are innovating new and novel ingredients for the Life Sciences industry through our commitment to sustainability and customer centricity. As our Seed business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Seed Technology R&D Leader to join our organisation to Lead the Seed Technology Research & Development function across India, focusing on innovation, product development, and technical support for seed enhancement technologies. Drive strategic research initiatives aligned with global and regional business goals. Reporting into the Head of R&D, Asia of our Life Sciences business, you will develop the R&D Strategy in line with Global and Regional direction, Lead innovation in seed coatings, priming, biologicals, Nutrients and other Seed enhancement technologies and supervise R&D scientists, lab technicians, and field trial coordinators. Who We’re Looking For:
At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.
Degree qualified in Seed Science and Technology or relevant subject. Extensive experience in agricultural R&D for seed treatment and enhancement technologies Deep understanding of seed biology, physiology, agronomy, and formulation science. Experience with field trials, data analysis, and technical reporting Broader understanding of farmer needs providing solutions using seed technologies. What You’ll Be Doing:
Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.
Define and implement long-term R&D strategies aligned with global innovation goals and local market needs. Identify emerging trends in seed technology and translate them into actionable research initiatives. Lead the development of new seed enhancement products including coatings, priming, biologicals, and micronutrients. Oversee formulation optimization, stability testing, and performance validation. Design and manage multi-location field trials to evaluate product efficacy under diverse agro-climatic conditions. Analyze trial data to generate insights for product refinement and positioning. Ensure all R&D activities comply with national and international regulatory standards. Support dossier preparation and submission for product registration. Build partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry bodies to foster innovation. Engage with key customers and distributors to gather feedback and support product adoption. Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing R&D team. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Prepare and manage R&D budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Evaluate and invest in new technologies, equipment, and infrastructure. Provide technical support to commercial teams during product launches and customer interactions. Conduct training sessions for internal teams and external stakeholders on seed technology innovations. Integrate sustainability principles into R&D practices and product development. Monitor and report on the environmental and agronomic impact of seed technologies. Identify opportunities for patenting and protecting proprietary technologies. Collaborate with legal teams to manage IP portfolios. What We Offer:
Join a global organization with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
Private medical insurance Access to share plans Cycle to work scheme Generous parental leave Free car parking on Croda sites Additional Information
This position is based at our Ahmedabad site. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email jobs@croda.com. Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. Why Croda?

At Croda, we believe our people are our difference. We are people-led, driven by the desire to do good and deliver value, a unifying principle shaped by all the great people that have travelled through Croda since our beginning in 1925. We pride ourselves on bringing together diverse teams and talents from across the globe and, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together, we are passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse organisation with innovation and customer focus underpinning all that we do.