Site Head R&D and Technology Transfer

Job Description

The Site Head Research & Development and Technology Transfer - Coatings, leads and supports a team of scientists focused on new product and sample development as well as application data development. This role also manages the technology transfer of tablet film coatings from R&D to production. Reporting to the RD&A Global Sr. Manager, this role involves managing the RD&A team, ensuring timely project deliverables, and maintaining effective communication with site Operations, Quality Control, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders. The site head R&D and TT, also integrates regional customer feedback to propose new product concepts that address unmet market needs, while also assisting with cost-saving initiatives and improving existing products. Effective communication skills are critical as the day-to-day activities may involve cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. They prioritize activities in a dynamic environment, ensuring that resources are allocated to key business priorities. Key responsibilities Lead Product Innovation, Sample Development & Application Activities: manage R&D and TT efforts on-site in support of global strategy for film-coatings. Product Innovation: Collaborate cross-functionally with the global team to drive product innovation from concept to commercialization, support cost-saving initiatives, and improve existing products. Technology Transfer: Bridge between R&D sample development, scale-up and commercial processes, while adhering to scale-up principles and quality guidelines. Sample Development: Oversee the activities of the R&D team to ensure timely delivery of coating samples as per defined timelines and quality expectations. Demonstrate Expertise: Exhibit subject matter expertise in pharmaceutical oral-solid dosage technologies, specifically in tablet coatings and excipients, both formulation and process. Provide Expertise to Stakeholders: Offer technical, regulatory, application, and RD&A expertise to stakeholders, contributing broadly to the growth of Kerry s Pharma excipients business. Provide Technical Support: Work closely with Technical Services, Operations, Quality, and Product Management to ensure efficient and high-quality handling of customer queries and support deliverables. Prepare Documentation: Prepare technical reports, presentations, R&D material, publications, and invention disclosures for patent applications. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of new and competitive technologies, and product launches, applying this intelligence to research and product development projects. Build High-Performance Teams: Hire, mentor, and develop team members within the organization, fostering high-performance teams. Ensure Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety, quality and regulatory standards Qualifications and skills Educational Background: MS (required) or PhD (preferred) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Experience: 12+ years of relevant experience in formulation development and/or coatings, with at least 6 years of managerial experience. Technical Skills: Strong technical background in formulation and manufacturing process of oral solid dosage forms. Preference to specific experience in tablet film-coatings and excipients. Knowledge of downstream processes, scale-up principles, different technologies, and product characterization is an asset. Product Knowledge: Strong knowledge of coating raw material function, equipment operation and color matching principles. Demonstrate Expertise: Exhibit subject matter expertise in pharmaceutical oral-solid dosage technologies, specifically in tablet coatings and excipients, both formulation and process. Project Management: Demonstrated project management ability, creativity, excellent problem-solving skills, and strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. Skilled at prioritizing and navigating ambiguity with a positive demeanor. Data Proficiency: Experience with data analysis software and laboratory automation tools. Team Collaboration: Effectively provides and seeks feedback from team members as required, and able to work with cross-functional teams at multi-levels. SAP Excellence: Experience working in an SAP environment is desirable. Travel: Willingness to travel domestically and globally as needed.