Key Responsibilities

Technical & Program Leadership

- Lead R&D; strategy for CBTD India in alignment with global product platforms and regional business needs.
- Oversee development and optimization of graphic films, retroreflective materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and vehicle marking solutions.
- Ensure robust application development and localization of global products to meet Indian/regional requirements.

Strategic Planning & Execution

- Develop and implement short- and long-term R&D; strategies supporting market growth, regulatory trends, and emerging customer needs.
- Drive New Product introduction ,guide portfolio decisions, including product innovation, cost-reduction programs, and quality improvement projects.

People & Team Leadership

- Manage, coach, and develop a diverse team of R&D; professionals, fostering a high-performance and innovative culture.
- Oversee workforce planning, performance management, capability development, and succession planning for the lab.

Cross-functional Collaboration

- Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Global Labs, Regulatory, and Quality to ensure business-aligned technical execution.
- Serve as a technical voice in regional business teams, customer engagements, and global project teams.

External & Customer-Focused Innovation

- Drive technical discussions and joint development efforts with key customers, OEMs, fleet operators,



and government stakeholders.
- Stay abreast of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscape in branding, vehicle safety, and commercial signage.

IP and Compliance Management

- Guide intellectual property strategy to protect innovations and competitive advantage.
- Ensure lab safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards are met at all times.

Qualifications

- Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 15–20+ years of progressive experience in industrial R&D;, including at least 5 years in leadership or department head roles.
- Deep understanding of films, adhesives, coatings, or reflective technologies and their end-use in transportation, signage, or branding applications.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and global collaborations.
- Proven experience in driving innovation to commercialization, managing complex programs, and engaging with customers directly.

Key Skills & Attributes

- Strategic mindset with solid business acumen
- Inspirational leadership and team development skills
- Influencing and stakeholder Management
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- Innovation-driven with customer-centric approach
- Proven track record for delivering enterprise- grade solutions at scale

📌 R&D Leader- Commercial Branding & Transportation (Bengaluru)
🏢 3M India
📍 Bengaluru