Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation
On-site · Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States
Job Summary
Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation will lead the Hair Care R&D strategy and global Hair Care R&D organization within Ashland's Personal Care unit. Based at the Bridgewater, NJ innovation center, this role will oversee development and execution of initiatives, build talent across a ~25-person global team, partner with Commercial, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and cross-functional groups to bring new hair care technologies from development to commercialization, and drive portfolio strategy and competitive analysis to secure growth. The position entails leadership of the global Personal Care R&D agenda, ensuring a healthy pipeline, directing product development and improvement efforts, defining long-term strategy, and delivering aligned results across the global organization; the candidate will work closely with global teams and senior stakeholders to deliver innovations and growth in a heavily regulated, multi-market environment. This role requires a Ph.D. and extensive leadership experience in hair care ingredient formulation, technology development, and global cross-functional collaboration.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics, or related scientific/technical discipline
- 10+ years of relevant experience including technology development and implementation; leading and developing teams and driving innovation in a heavily regulated industry; preferably in EPA and/or REACH governed end-markets
- Strong Hair Care background with experience working in the ingredients and formulation spaces
- Demonstrated scientific excellence through publications/patents in the area of personal care
- Significant experience operating in a global technical and business environment, preferably in nature derived polymers, surfactants, and specialty ingredients
- Proven track record of successful new product launches
- Ability to influence outcomes, utilizing effective communication skills across functions
- Excellent leadership skills, as evidenced by a track record of hiring, retaining, developing, and motivating top-tier scientific talent
- Proven track record of driving accountability and fostering problem-solving within the team
- Ability & desire to function at both strategic and tactical levels
- Strategic & analytical thinking skills and a pleasant and engaging style
- Excellent communication skills, good work ethic and positive attitude
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