Description

Vice president (VP) for Research and Development (R&D) can be described as an executive that supervises and oversees the entire innovation and development process of a company. They recruit the leaders of teams for product development to manage these efforts. They also manage R&D teams in budget approvals as well as scheduling and deadline management. The VP also collaborates with other departments within the organization -- like engineering, sales, marketing manufacturing, and sales to bring innovative products from R&D department to market or implement within the company.

Typically, a board-level executive the vice president of R&D usually spends most of their time leading R&D teams, rather than providing direct supervision. The VP typically receives progress reports and holds regularly scheduled meetings with the team's leaders on a middle management level. They evaluate the work from R&D teams, make adjustments to scheduling and staffing, and guide research initiatives. The VP assists in creating an environment that encourages innovation in the development of new products, making improvements on services or products that are already in use or even establishing new technologies and processes to help the company improve its efficiency.

As a higher-level executive in an organization the vice president of research and development usually requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a business, scientific or engineering field, and many firms prefer those who have a master's degree within business administration. The VP usually works in the office of his own and is aided by an administrative team who they directly supervise. As a manager of a department which could comprise several teams and departments, the director of R&D is expected to travel is a regular aspect of their job and vice versa.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Vice President VP, Research & Development with 6-9 years of experience in India, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee and manage the research and development activities within the organization, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals.
  • Lead and mentor a team of researchers, providing guidance and support in their research projects and ensuring high-quality outputs.
  • Drive innovation and identify opportunities for new product development by staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product management and marketing, to translate research findings into practical applications and strategies that drive business growth.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For the Vice President (VP), Research & Development job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive experience and expertise in research and development processes, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and inspire a team of researchers and developers, driving innovation and achieving strategic objectives.
  • In-depth knowledge of the industry and market trends to identify potential opportunities and devise innovative solutions.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to liaise with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and clients, ensuring effective communication and successful project execution.

Essential Skills For Vice President (VP), Research & Development

1

Statistical Analysis

2

Prototyping

3

Project Management

4

Research Methods

5

Agile Methodologies

Career Prospects

The role of Vice President VP, Research & Development is crucial in driving innovation and technological advancements. For professionals in India with 6-9 years of experience, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Chief Technology Officer CTO: A leadership position responsible for developing and implementing the overall technological strategy of the organization.
  • Product Manager: A role focused on identifying market opportunities, developing product roadmaps, and overseeing the product lifecycle.
  • Innovation Manager: A position dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, exploring new ideas, and driving the development of new products or services.
  • Engineering Manager: A role that involves managing a team of engineers, coordinating project timelines, and ensuring successful product development and delivery.

How to Learn

The role of Vice President (VP), Research & Development in India is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen a steady increase in demand and relevance. The research and development sector has witnessed rapid expansion in India, leading to a surge in employment opportunities. With the country prioritizing innovation and technology advancements, the number of future employment opportunities for VP, Research & Development is expected to multiply. Based on recent data from Google, this role is set to experience substantial growth in the coming years, making it a promising and lucrative career choice in India.