Manager – Research & Development (R&D)

Hamdard Pakistan is seeking an experienced and dedicated Manager for its Research & Development (R&D) department to lead laboratory activities focused on herbal, Unani, and nutraceutical product development and enhancement. This leadership role involves overseeing the entire product development lifecycle from initial concept through formulation, trials, and commercialization. The Manager will ensure that all R&D projects comply with relevant quality, safety, and regulatory standards while driving innovation and continuous improvement within the product portfolio. Managing a team of 15 professionals, this role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively coordinate cross-functional collaboration and deliver timely, high-quality results aligned with company goals. The ideal candidate holds a Masters degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field and brings 7 years of practical experience in R&D laboratory settings. Extensive hands-on knowledge in formulation development, laboratory trials, process optimization, and product commercialization is essential. This role demands strong leadership and communication skills to develop the R&D team, support technical problem-solving, maintain comprehensive documentation, and present project updates to senior management. The Manager will spearhead efforts to explore new ingredients, technologies, and product concepts while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and other industry regulations.
Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research and development laboratory activities focusing on the creation and improvement of herbal, Unani, and nutraceutical products.
• Oversee new product development projects from initial concept and formulation stages through laboratory trials, pilot production, and final commercialization.
• Develop, evaluate, and optimize product formulations, manufacturing processes, and product specifications to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Conduct thorough research into new ingredients, technologies, formulations, and innovative product concepts to drive continuous improvement and business growth.
• Supervise laboratory trials, pilot batch productions, stability studies, and product optimization efforts to meet specified performance criteria.
• Evaluate raw materials, active ingredients, excipients, and other development inputs to guarantee consistency, efficacy, and safety in final products.
• Ensure timely delivery of R&D projects by managing schedules and aligning efforts with quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and production timelines.
• Coordinate effectively with cross-functional departments including Production, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, and Marketing to guarantee seamless project execution.
• Prepare, review, and maintain detailed technical documentation including reports, trial records, product specifications, and other relevant R&D records.
• Identify areas for innovation, cost-saving opportunities, process improvements, and portfolio expansion to maintain competitive advantage in the market.
• Ensure that all development activities meet compliance standards with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert technical support to resolve product-related challenges and conduct investigation into any deviations or issues arising during or after product development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team of 15 professionals fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Present regular project status updates, technical assessments, and strategic recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.