TotalEnergies - Senior Research Development Manager

We are seeking an accomplished and innovative Senior Research Development Manager to lead product development activities for automotive lubricant applications. This pivotal role involves overseeing research projects, managing a talented team, coordinating with global business lines, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cutting-edge solutions to maintain market leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Product Development Leadership : Take primary responsibility for product development activities specifically for automotive applications, with a core focus on on-road applications such as motorcycle and passenger car oils. This includes leading conventional engine testing programs and initiatives.

Team Management & Leadership : Directly manage a team of 2 to 3 members, comprising skilled technicians and engineers. This involves setting priorities, distributing work assignments, providing guidance, and acting as a manager-coach to foster their professional growth and development.

Project Execution & Prioritization : Perform hands-on R&D work, including conducting routine tests, developing new testing methodologies, and managing the full lifecycle of assigned R&D projects in lubricants from conceptualization to completion. Manage and prioritize the team's workload effectively to meet project deadlines and organizational goals.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting : Provide regular, comprehensive updates on work progress, project status, and key findings to the R&D organization, internal clients, and global business lines.

Quality Assurance & Documentation : Ensure the highest quality of test results, critically analyze data, and publish timely technical memos and comprehensive technical notes. Oversee the maintenance, metrology, and appropriate follow-up of all equipment under direct responsibility, ensuring accuracy and operational readiness.

Strategic & Budgetary Contribution : Contribute significantly to the preparation of the OPEX (Operating Expenses) and CAPEX (Capital Expenses) budgets, along with long-term strategic plans for the TCAP (TotalEnergies Lubricants) R&D initiatives.

Innovation & Knowledge Building : Proactively conduct literature surveys and engage in continuous learning to develop deep expertise and scientific knowledge in new and emerging areas relevant to lubricant technology. Bring new and innovative ideas to the domains under charge to sustain and enhance TotalEnergies's leadership position in the market.

External & IP Coordination : Ensure effective coordination with external laboratories when outsourced activity is required, managing relationships and quality of deliverables. Take into account and actively coordinate Intellectual Property (IP) activities for all R&D studies undertaken, ensuring protection and leveraging of innovations.

Collaborative Environment : Interact in a highly collaborative manner with other team members across various departments to accomplish organizational goals. Actively provide ideas and insights to improve overall organizational and operational efficiency within the R&D function.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Experience : 10-15 years of progressive experience in Research & Development, with a significant focus on lubricant formulation and testing, of which at least 3-5 years must be in a leadership or managerial role overseeing a team.

Technical Expertise : Proven experience in product development for automotive applications, specifically with motorcycle and passenger car oils. Hands-on experience with conventional engine testing.

Managerial Skills : Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of engineers and technicians, including work prioritization, assignment, and performance management. Experience in coaching and facilitating professional growth.

R&D Operations : Strong understanding of R&D project management, routine testing, and new method development within a laboratory setting.

Data Analysis & Reporting : Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex test results and translate them into clear technical memos and reports.

Communication & Collaboration : Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) for regular updates to stakeholders, global coordination, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Strategic Thinking : Ability to contribute to budget preparation, long-term planning, and bring innovative ideas to the forefront.

IP Awareness : Understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) concepts and the ability to coordinate IP activities in R&D studies.

ref : iimjobs.com)