R&D Director (ID: 704424)

Our client, a well-known Japanese firm is currently looking for a R&D Director.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the overall research and innovation strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Identify and establish strategic research partnerships with universities and scientific collaborators across Asia.
• Design and oversee new research programmes, including in-vitro, in-vivo, and human clinical studies to validate ingredients and products.
• Lead negotiations with research partners on project scope, budgets, timelines, intellectual property ownership, and commercialization rights.
• Manage a portfolio of research projects to support current and future business opportunities.
• Provide leadership on research priorities and resource allocation to maximize scientific and commercial outcomes.
• Supervise external research projects to ensure quality and timely deliverables are achieved.
• Translate market opportunities and insights into actionable research directions and scientific programmes.
• Collaborate closely with product development and business teams to support product validation and commercialization efforts.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and scientific trends relevant to wellness and consumer health.
• Represent the organization to internal and external stakeholders, including research partners and corporate leadership.
• Report directly to the Chief Scientific Officer.

Job Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Nutrition, Biotechnology, or related fields.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in R&D leadership and innovation management.
• Proven experience managing external research programmes and multidisciplinary scientific collaborations.
• Ability to source, evaluate, and manage research partners and scientific institutions.
• Experience in negotiating research contracts and commercialization agreements.
• Strong understanding of clinical and applied research methodologies.
• Background in FMCG, consumer health, wellness, or biotechnology is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in R&D project management and strategic planning.
• Proven capacity to connect scientific research with commercial opportunities.
• Experience managing stakeholders across scientific and operational functions.

PERSOL Singapore Pte Ltd | EA License No. 01C4394 • UEN No. 200007268E

By sending us your personal data and curriculum vitae (CV), you are deemed to consent to PERSOL Singapore Pte Ltd and its affiliates to collect, use and disclose your personal data for the purposes set out in the Privacy Policy available at https://www.persolsingapore.com/policies. You acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree with the Privacy Policy.