Sr. Leader, Global Hair Care Innovation

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work with the commercial management team to identify new product opportunities in hair care business segments.
• Partner with global Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Regulatory teams 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.

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, physics or related scientific/technical discipline.
• 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.
• Ability to influence outcomes using effective communication skills across functions.
• Excellent leadership skills, 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 and desire to function at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills and a pleasant and engaging style.
• Excellent communication skills, good work ethic and positive attitude.

Ashland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.