Vice President - R&D

This role is for one of our clients
 
Industry: Software Development
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
 
Experience: 7+ yrs
Location: Bengaluru
Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Vice President – R&D to lead the organisation’s Innovation Centre, Application Engineering, and Design House as a strategic techno-commercial business unit. The role will focus on building innovation-led demand, developing customer-centric electronics design capabilities, and expanding the organisation’s value proposition beyond traditional distribution through technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships.
The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in electronics design and semiconductor systems with strong business acumen, commercial ownership, and proven leadership experience. This individual will be responsible for building scalable engineering capabilities, developing profitable business verticals, and strengthening the organisation’s position as a technology and innovation partner for customers in India and global markets.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
1. Innovation & Business Development
Establish and scale a profitable Innovation Centre and Design House serving customers across India and international markets.
Drive innovation-led demand creation by developing technology solutions aligned with customer requirements and emerging market opportunities.
Identify new business opportunities and build differentiated offerings beyond conventional electronics component distribution.
Develop long-term technology roadmaps and evaluate future-focused innovation opportunities.
2. Application Engineering & Design Solutions
Build and scale a profitable Application Engineering business delivering end-to-end customer solutions.
Oversee in-house electronics design, system engineering, prototyping, and development of fully functional electronic boards across industry segments.
Strengthen design and development capabilities to support OEMs, ODMs, IDHs, and other industry customers.
Evaluate the feasibility of establishing and scaling a world-class testing laboratory in alignment with business strategy.
3. Business & P&L Ownership
Own the department’s budget, financial performance, commercial outcomes, and overall profit and loss.
Develop sustainable business models for the Innovation Centre, Application Engineering, and Design House.
Drive operational efficiency, resource optimisation, and profitable business growth.
Lead organisational change and scale operations effectively in a dynamic and complex business environment.
4. Leadership & Capability Building
Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary design and engineering teams.
Establish a high-performance culture focused on innovation, customer satisfaction, accountability, and execution excellence.
Drive capability development, talent retention, succession planning, and organisational readiness for growth.
5. Strategic Partnerships & Market Positioning
Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to define technology-led market strategies.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, OEMs, ODMs, IDHs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Strengthen the organisation’s technology brand through customer engagement, industry collaboration, and innovation initiatives.
Stay informed about emerging technology trends, industry regulations, standards, and market developments.
Represent the organisation in relevant industry forums and professional associations.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Computer, or Telecommunication Engineering from a reputed institution.
15–20+ years of experience in electronics design, product development, system engineering, or related technology domains.
Strong understanding of the semiconductor and electronics component ecosystem.
Deep exposure to automotive, electrical, and electronics architectures.
Proven experience in building and leading technology, design, and engineering teams.
Demonstrated ability to establish new business capabilities, drive innovation, and deliver measurable commercial growth.
Strong techno-commercial expertise, including budget management, business planning, and P&L ownership.
Established industry relationships across OEMs, ODMs, IDHs, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 customers.
Understanding of emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards.
Excellent strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership capabilities.
Good-to-Have Qualifications
Postgraduate qualification in Technology, Engineering, or Design.
Experience establishing an Innovation Centre, Application Engineering function, or electronics Design House.
Experience setting up or scaling a testing laboratory.
Active involvement with relevant industry bodies, technical forums, or professional associations.
Experience serving customers across multiple industries and international markets.
Leadership Attributes
Entrepreneurial mindset with strong ownership and accountability.
Strategic thinker with analytical and commercial acumen.
Proactive, assertive, and comfortable driving change.
Innovative and customer-centric approach to problem-solving.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build lasting industry relationships.
Inspiring leadership style with a focus on collaboration, talent development, and business outcomes.
Key Skills
Must-have: Electronics Design, System Engineering, Semiconductor Ecosystem.
Good-to-have: Innovation, Application Engineering, Design House.