R&D Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Research & Development

• Lead the development of new glove products, including nitrile, latex, neoprene, synthetic, and specialty gloves.
• Develop and improve glove formulations, compound recipes, coating technologies, and surface treatments to enhance performance, comfort, durability, and cost competitiveness.
• Conduct feasibility studies, trials, and validation activities for new products and technologies.
• Identify and evaluate market trends, emerging technologies, and customer requirements to support innovation initiatives.
• Manage product development projects from concept to commercialization.

2. Process Development & Manufacturing Support

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Assurance and Procurement teams to support product industrialization and process optimization.
• Evaluate and improve dipping process parameters, chemical usage, curing conditions, leaching systems, and production efficiency.
• Support production trials, scale-up activities, and process validation.
• Investigate and resolve product and process-related quality issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, yield, quality, and material utilization.

3. Laboratory Management

• Ensure the R&D laboratory is well maintained, properly organized, and operated in a safe, efficient, and compliant manner.
• Continually improve the capabilities of the R&D laboratory through enhancement of equipment, testing methods, facilities, technical expertise, and laboratory systems.
• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, testing protocols, calibration schedules, and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and fit for intended use.
• Manage laboratory resources, consumables, chemical inventories, and budgets effectively.
• Promote compliance with all applicable laboratory safety, environmental, and occupational health requirements.
• Lead the development of laboratory competencies to support innovation, product development, and business growth.

4. Material Evaluation & Technical Innovation

• Evaluate and qualify new raw materials, chemicals, polymers, accelerators, pigments, packaging materials, and processing aids.
• Establish material specifications and qualification criteria.
• Work closely with suppliers, technical partners, research institutions, and customers on development projects.
• Identify and implement innovative materials and technologies to enhance product performance and manufacturing efficiency.

5. Product Testing & Validation

• Oversee laboratory testing, performance evaluation, and product validation activities.
• Review and analyze physical, chemical, microbiological, and performance test results.
• Establish product specifications, testing standards, and acceptance criteria.
• Ensure proper documentation of trial results, validation reports, product specifications, and technical records.

6. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Standards

• Ensure all products comply with applicable customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Support regulatory registrations, certifications, and customer qualification programs.
• Liaise with certification bodies, testing laboratories, auditors, and regulatory authorities when required.

7. Project Management

• Develop project plans, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation strategies.
• Monitor project progress and ensure successful completion within approved budgets and timelines.
• Provide regular updates and technical reports to Management.
• Prioritize projects according to business objectives and market demands.

8. Customer & Commercial Support

• Provide technical support to Sales, Marketing and Quality teams.
• Participate in customer discussions, product qualification programs, and technical presentations.
• Support customer audits, quality investigations, and product evaluations.
• Prepare technical documentation including specifications, product data sheets, declarations, and technical reports.

9. Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
• Establish performance targets and KPIs for team members.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.
• Identify training and development opportunities to strengthen technical competencies within the department.