Head of Research & Process Development (m/f/x)

Head of Research & Process Development (m/f/x)

Connect Chemicals is an owner-managed company with more than 25 years of experience in the production and distribution of specialty chemicals. With over 360 employees at our headquarters in Germany and in our subsidiaries across Europe, North America, and Asia, we market a high-quality portfolio of products and services.

What sets us apart? A family-oriented corporate culture built on trust, reliability, and genuine appreciation. We support individual development and place great value on strong teamwork, because our employees are the key to our long-term success.

Your responsibilities:

1.1 Custom Manufacturing & Process Development

• Lead global Custom Manufacturing activities in close collaboration with teams in India and Germany
• Expand and manage our partner network by identifying and evaluating new manufacturing partners
• Strengthen our technology portfolio by closing capability gaps through targeted partner selection
• Support commercial activities through joint customer meetings and technical presentations
• Develop clear communication tools and presentations for Sales and ensure continuous information flow
• Identify and approach potential customers and outsourcing decision-makers in the chemical industry
• Oversee project planning, execution, and communication between internal teams, partners, and customers
• Establish efficient reporting structures and templates for internal and external stakeholders
• Travel internationally on a regular basis

1.2 Research & Development

• Shape the company’s R&D strategy together with the Management Board
• Provide technical guidance to the Management Team for strategic decision-making
• Actively contribute to early-stage process development and support global R&D teams
• Identify gaps in the R&D portfolio and propose actionable solutions
• Drive the implementation of new technologies and product innovations
• Develop R&D budgets in collaboration with the local R&D Manager in China

Your Profile:

• PhD in Chemistry (or equivalent scientific discipline)
• Strong technical background in chemical process development and scale-up
• Proven commercial experience in a B2B or industrial environment
• Experience in managing external manufacturing partners and global projects
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate technology into business opportunities
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in customer-facing situations
• Ability to work across cultures and lead international teams
• Willingness to travel globally
• A dynamic company culture that still enables genuine work–life balance
• A motivated, supportive team where collaboration truly matters
• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely
• Free on-site parking and full coverage of the Germany Ticket for public transport users
• An attractive compensation package including salary and social benefits (e.g., capital-forming contributions, pension support)
• Comprehensive corporate health benefits, such as a gym partnership and bike leasing
• A generous annual training and development budget for your personal growth
• A company car available for both business and private use

Do you value variety in your work, think beyond the obvious, and enjoy collaborating across teams? If you’re excited about making an impact with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Your Person of Contact: Alina Maldera

HR Manager

Tel.: