Role Purpose

To lead and manage all Research & Development activities related to product formulation, product development, packaging, quality, and product improvement, ensuring that the company’s portfolio remains competitive, cost-effective, innovative, and compliant with Henkel’s quality standards and requirements.

Responsibilities

Operational Involvement

· Leads and supervises the development, reformulation, and improvement of products in line with market requirements, customer needs, and company standards

· Plans, coordinates, and supervises product trials, including trials involving new products, raw materials, formulations, and packaging materials, ensuring compliance with established quality standards

· Coordinates with Purchasing and Supply Chain to identify opportunities for cost optimization, alternative raw materials, and expense reduction while maintaining product quality

· Works closely with Marketing and Sales to understand market requirements, customer feedback, competitive developments, and opportunities for new product development

· Follows up on customer complaints and product-related feedback and coordinates with the concerned departments to identify root causes and implement appropriate corrective actions

· Investigates and resolves quality-related issues arising in production, warehousing, or from raw and packaging material suppliers to ensure smooth and efficient operations

· Evaluates and approves raw materials, packaging materials, and product specifications in coordination with the relevant departments

· Develops and updates product specifications, formulations, operating instructions, and relevant technical documentation to ensure consistency and facilitate efficient operations

· Interprets application tests, laboratory results, and comparative tests against established specifications and makes recommendations for product improvement or corrective action

· Conducts and supervises competitive product analysis in coordination with Quality Control and other relevant departments to identify opportunities for product optimization, quality improvement, and cost reduction

· Ensures that new product developments and product modifications are properly tested, documented, and transferred to production in accordance with established procedures

· Provides technical support and expertise to Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Marketing, and other concerned departments on product and formulation-related matters

· Monitors developments in raw materials, technologies, formulations, packaging, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and portfolio enhancement

Report Development & Documentation

· Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates technical and operational data to provide management with accurate and relevant information for decision-making

· Prepares and maintains R&D reports, product development documentation, trial reports, specifications, and other required technical records

· Ensures that all R&D documentation is accurate, complete, updated, and properly maintained in accordance with company policies and procedures

· Prepares regular status reports on product development, trials, quality issues, cost optimization initiatives, and other R&D activities as required

· Maintains proper documentation and tracking of product formulations, specifications, changes, approvals, and development projects

Policies and Procedures

· Contributes to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures

· Ensures that R&D activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures, quality standards, and applicable requirements

· Communicates and enforces relevant policies and procedures within the department and with concerned stakeholders

· Reviews existing processes and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity

· Strictly abides by departmental policies and procedures and proposes improvements whenever required

Safety and Security

· Ensures compliance with applicable safety, hygiene, and laboratory standards during R&D activities, product trials, and testing

· Ensures that safety requirements and protective equipment are properly followed and addresses non-conformities in accordance with established procedures

· Promotes a culture of safety and responsible handling of raw materials, products, and laboratory equipment

Customer Focus

· Ensures that product development and improvement initiatives are aligned with customer expectations and market requirements

· Investigates customer complaints and product-related issues, determines the nature and extent of the problem, and coordinates with the relevant departments to implement effective corrective measures

· Recommends improvements to products and internal processes with the objective of enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction

· Monitors customer and market feedback and translates relevant insights into product improvement and development opportunities

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or another related field

· Master’s degree or professional certification in a relevant field is an advantage

· Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in Research & Development, Product Development, Formulation, Quality, or a related field

· Previous experience in an FMCG, manufacturing, chemical, or consumer products environment is preferred

· Previous experience in managing or supervising R&D activities and cross-functional projects is an advantage

· Advanced Computer Skills

· Fluent in Arabic and English. French is a plus

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills

· Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously