The Beauty & Wellbeing (B&W) Vietnam R&D Leader plays a key role in driving business growth in Vietnam by leading R&D efforts for the Hair Care and Skin Care categories. As a member of the Country Leadership team, this role will partner closely with the business and act as the main R&D contact for the B&W category in Vietnam. The position is part of the Regional SEA R&D team, collaborating with Category R&D Design teams to ensure the development and alignment of product technologies with the overall business strategy and portfolio plans.

Vietnam is a strategic market for the B&W category, and the R&D Leader will be instrumental in shaping the future portfolio for local innovations while driving the growth of global and local brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Country R&D Representative: Serve as the main point of contact for R&D-related activities in Vietnam, delivering the agreed-upon R&D program in collaboration with regional and global teams. Manage resources to fast-track low-risk, low-complexity projects and drive the innovation agenda.
• Business Growth & Innovation: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify growth opportunities for the B&W category in Vietnam, developing new local projects and creating innovation roadmaps for global and local brands. Ensure "consumer perceived superiority" by building claims packages for key innovations.
• Efficiency & Delivery: Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery of all R&D elements, driving efficiency across the R&D organization. Foster collaboration with regional and global teams to adopt a "One R&D" mindset and allocate resources effectively.
• Supply Chain & Manufacturing: Represent R&D in supply chain transformation initiatives, contributing to the design of manufacturing systems aligned with site master plans.
• Digital & Sustainability Agenda: Lead digital transformation initiatives and promote sustainability in Vietnam by developing robust models for PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) implementation and recyclable packaging in a circular system.
• Expertise Development: Act as the product expert for Hair and Skin Care in Vietnam, working with influencers and key opinion formers (KOFs) to promote the product portfolio. Capture local insights and trends to enhance marketing and consumer engagement strategies.
• Team Leadership: Lead and manage the internal R&D team and external partners, developing expertise and capabilities in line with a purpose-driven, future-fit organization.

Requirements for Success

• Education: Graduate or advanced degree in a relevant Science or Technology field.
• Experience:
  • FMCG background with international exposure is advantageous.
  • Proven track record in leading projects and teams, with a focus on speed and high-quality delivery.
  • Strong leadership, business acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Broad R&D experience across global, cluster, or local levels.
• Additional Skills:
  • Passionate about beauty and wellbeing, with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills, with fluency in English.
  • Ability to thrive in a multicultural, multi-functional environment.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for work (domestic and international).
  • Strong digital and data skills.