Head of Research And Development

Leaders’ Edge is Hiring: Head – R&D (Precious Metals & Catalysts)

Position Title: Head – Research & Development

Function: R&D / Innovation / Product Development

Purpose of the Role:

Leaders’ Edge has been exclusively mandated to identify a seasoned R&D leader to drive innovation and excellence in the field of precious metals chemistry and catalyst technologies. The role is pivotal to advancing the product portfolio, improving process efficiency, and enabling cutting-edge research within a globally relevant organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Innovation & Product Development

• Lead the development of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, as well as salts and solutions of precious metals (PM).
• Develop and refine new product formulations and processes, with a focus on cost efficiency and performance enhancement.
• Keep pace with global R&D advancements in precious metal chemistry, catalysis, and metallurgy.

2. Technical Expertise & Lab Management

• Oversee R&D operations including analytical laboratories, pilot plant testing, and characterization labs.
• Ensure robust protocols for precious metal refining (hydro and pyro metallurgy) and catalyst preparation.
• Facilitate high-quality research catalyst production and drive experimental designs.

3. Process Optimization & Scale-Up

• Translate lab-scale innovations into commercial-scale processes.
• Upgrade and optimize the existing product range to meet evolving customer and regulatory requirements.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Troubleshooting

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including QA, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Marketing.
• Liaise directly with customers to resolve product performance issues, providing data-backed corrective measures and technical guidance.

5. Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure all R&D activities align with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Prepare for and support external audits and compliance assessments as needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry (preferably with specialization in inorganic, organometallic, or catalysis fields).
• Deep academic grounding and scientific rigor expected.

Experience:

• 18–20 years of industry experience in R&D roles within precious metals, specialty chemicals, or allied industries.
• Proven track record in catalyst development, precious metal refining, and application-specific chemical solutions.

Domain Competencies:

• Heterogeneous & homogeneous catalyst development
• Hydro & Pyro metallurgy processes
• Analytical lab techniques and instrumentation
• Refining of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
• Strong customer interfacing and problem-solving capabilities
• Awareness of emerging innovations and academic collaboration

Key Personal Attributes:

• Research-driven with a practical application mindset
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Proactive in identifying innovation opportunities
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to work across departments