Head of Research Development & Innovation (RD&I), ASEAN

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

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Role Purpose

Responsible for all R&D activities supporting the ASEAN Decorative Paints business unit, leading and driving the company's research and innovation agenda. This includes overseeing the development of new products, technologies and process improvements to ensure long-term competitiveness, sustainability and profitability. The role provides strategic direction, end-to-end quality management, value engineering and fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Job Description

Lead and manage the R&D team to ensure appropriate capabilities, high performance and effective succession planning

Ensure team members are well-trained, motivated, and aligned with business objectives

Develop and maintain an effective innovation pipeline of new and improved products that meet business and market needs

Drive formulation innovation with a focus on sustainability, customer value and speed to market

Ensure structured project management and clear priorities in innovation efforts

Develop and execute the raw material and formulation strategy to balance cost, quality and complexity

Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards

Delivering products of the right quality for the market and addressing any improvements or issues in a timely manner.

Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance

Collaborating with the wider AkzoNobel community and external stakeholders such as raw material suppliers/innovation partners to enhance technical support and co-development efforts

Work cross-functionally within the BU management team to align T&D priorities with business goals

Ensure regional alignment with AkzoNobel's global R&D vision, sustainability ambitions and innovation roadmap

Job Requirements

Bachelor Degree or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related technical field

Min 15 years of R&D experience, including leadership roles within a multinational environment

Proven experience in formulation development and raw material strategy

Demonstrated success in managing technical teams and delivering innovation pipelines

Experience in working within or closely with manufacturing and commercial functions

Strong knowledge of quality systems, product stewardship and regulatory requirements

Strategic and analytical thinking

Excellent cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills

Resilience and problem-solving mindset

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 47380