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Head Of Research And Development
Research Manager Jobs Information
JOB OVERVIEW
A leading company in the sustainable paper and pulp manufacturing industry is seeking an innovative and results-driven Head of Research & Development (R&D) to lead its product innovation and technical development function. The company is committed to transforming renewable raw materials—such as bamboo and recycled fibers—into high-quality, eco-friendly tissue and paper products that support a circular and environmentally responsible manufacturing model.The Head of R&D will play a strategic role in driving innovation, improving production efficiency, and developing new sustainable materials and products. This position requires a deep understanding of fiber science, paper chemistry, and process engineering, as well as strong leadership skills to guide a multidisciplinary team of engineers, laboratory technicians, and product developers.Working closely with cross-functional departments—including operations, quality assurance, and sustainability—the ideal candidate will champion research initiatives that enhance product performance, optimise manufacturing processes, and reduce environmental impact. This role is best suited for a technically skilled and visionary leader passionate about advancing sustainable manufacturing and delivering practical innovation from concept to production scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Innovation Leadership
- Develop and execute the R&D and Innovation Strategy in line with The Good Roll’s missionof sustainable paper production.
- Identify and implement innovations that improve fiber yield, paper softness, tensile strength, and energy efficiency.
- Drive experimentation in bamboo fiber modification, enzymatic pulping, and bio-based chemical alternatives.
- Evaluate and pilot closed-loop systems (e.g., black liquor recovery, water reuse, energy integration).
- Lead feasibility studies for smart factory solutions such as digital process monitoring, inline sensors, and predictive analytics for pulp quality.
- Establish partnerships with technical universities, research labs, and technology providers for joint innovation projects.
Product & Material Development
- Oversee formulation and performance testing for all new and existing tissue products.
- Innovate in areas such as 2-ply and 3-ply paper design, fiber blending ratios, embossing technology, and softness enhancement.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to co-create new SKUs tailored to market needs.
- Ensure each new product meets TGRG’s sustainability and B-Corp quality standards.
Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Lead process optimisation projects targeting yield, energy, and water efficiency
improvements. - Develop best-practice SOPs for pulp refining, sheet formation, and drying.
- Implement trials that reduce fiber loss, chemical usage, and overall production cost per ton.
- Collaborate closely with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Lead to transfer lab findings into full-scale operations.
Quality, Testing & Compliance
- Oversee all laboratory testing and ensure consistent quality of pulp and finished goods.
- Define product specifications, test protocols, and quality benchmarks.
- Collaborate with the Quality & Compliance Manager to maintain ISO 9001, FSC, and environmental certification standards.
- Create and maintain an internal “Innovation Logbook” capturing all trials, results, and learnings for organisational memory.
Sustainability & Circular Innovation
- Research and implement low-carbon and zero-waste production techniques.
- Evaluate opportunities for by-product valorisation (e.g., reuse of bamboo sludge, energy generation from black liquor).
- Drive green chemistry approaches to replace harsh chemicals with biodegradable or enzyme-based solutions.
- Partner with The Good Roll Foundation on sustainable production education projects and knowledge sharing.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Build, coach, and inspire a high-performing R&D team focused on practical innovation.
- Promote a 'test, learn, and scale' mindset across departments.
- Organize internal innovation workshops, hackathons, and training to engage broader teams in creative problem-solving.
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare monthly R&D dashboards and present results, insights, and recommendations to
the Leadership Team. - Maintain structured project documentation with cost-benefit and payback analyses.
- Share research findings across the TGRG Group to accelerate learning and replication.
Requirements
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Pulp & Paper Technology, Chemical Engineering, or
Materials Science. - 8–12 years of paper mill experience, including at least 3 years in R&D or Process Development leadership.
- Demonstrated track record in fiber science, paper chemistry, or sustainable product innovation.
- Experience conducting industrial trials and scaling lab findings into production.
- Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with Six Sigma, DOE, or SPC preferred.
- Understanding of environmental impact assessments, LCA, and circular production systems.
Core Competencies
- Curiosity and creative problem-solving
- Strong technical grounding in pulp & tissue science
- Strategic thinking and long-term innovation planning
- Data-driven decision making
- Collaborative leadership across functions
- Passion for sustainability and regenerative industry models
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Number of successful product or process innovations implemented
- Percentage reduction in cost, energy, or water per ton produced
- Product performance improvements (softness, tensile, absorbency)
- R&D project completion on time and within budget
- Intellectual property, patents, or new formulations developed
- Team development and knowledge transfer effectiveness
