Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. R&D Leader, Global Hair Care to join the Personal Care business unit at our Bridgewater, NJ innovation center. This is a central, visible and a significant role within the Personal Care team and at the R&D function at Ashland. This position will report to the Sr. R&D Director, Personal Care and will be based at our Bridgewater, NJ site.

The Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation will be responsible for developing, implementing, and executing the Hair Care R&D strategy and leading our global Hair Care R&D organization. This position will be accountable for ensuring the delivery of R&D initiatives in support of the Hair Care division in Personal Care.

The Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation will provide oversight of decision-making, leadership, and prioritization of project development for the business segment, including agility in effective and efficient use of resources across the network to meet business goals. The individual will work closely with the global Personal Care Sales and Marketing teams to execute growth strategies and work closely with Central R&D in developing new technologies. This position will be responsible for building talent and capabilities across the segment to ensure the current and future health of the Hair Care R&D organization, collaborating cross-functionally, and delivering a high level of performance.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as a key member of the Global Personal Care R&D leadership team and share responsibility for division-wide business priorities.
• Oversee and supervise all R&D development and innovation efforts within the Hair Care segment. Direct the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. Ensure the Hair Care pipeline is healthy and robust and brings meaningful innovations to the Market.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of about 25 researchers across the globe.
• Lead cross-functional teams responsible for developing hair care technologies that will fill gaps in the current portfolio and satisfy the needs of the marketplace. Ensure the team has the competencies and structure required to implement the long-term strategy.
• Drive accountability for the selection and development of talent and succession within the organization to ensure an effective, sustainable model and talent pipeline.
• Responsible, along with commercial management team, to identify new product opportunities in hair care business segments.
• Partner with global teams in Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Regulatory to bring new products from development to commercialization.
• Collaborate and develop strong relationships with human resources, finance, and other center-led functions to ensure effective partnerships and alignment.
• Contribute to competitive portfolio analysis and creation of differentiated portfolio strategies
• Forge close partnerships with other members of the Personal Care Leadership Team and other key stakeholders, ensuring “best practice” is incorporated into this business unit

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics, or related scientific/technical discipline required.
• 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.

Skills you will bring to the table through prior practices:

• 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.