Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Key Achievements
Affiliations
Websites
Personality Strengths
Timeline
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Lalitha William

Bolingbrook,IL

Summary

Accomplished Director of Research and Development at GEA Farm Technologies, I spearheaded innovative product development and strategic business growth, demonstrating exceptional technical leadership and innovation management. Skilled in fostering cross-functional collaboration and mentoring teams, my approach has significantly enhanced market competition and efficiency.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Research and Development

GEA Farm Technologies
Romeoville, IL
09.2023 - Current
  • Led the R&D team to develop innovative products, enhancing marketing competition. Fostered cross-functional collaboration, driving continuous improvement initiatives. Spearheaded strategic planning, resulting in successful new business development.
  • Utilized assertiveness and resourcefulness to achieve project milestones.
  • Analyzed data from experiments and prepared reports on results for senior management.
  • Evaluated existing products and technologies to determine potential improvements or modifications.
  • Established protocols and procedures for safety compliance in the lab environment.
  • Provided technical guidance and mentoring to junior researchers.
  • Conducted literature reviews on relevant topics related to product development efforts.

Research and Development Manager

GEA Farm Technologies
Romeoville, IL
01.2012 - 09.2023
  • Managed R&D projects focusing on product development and process improvement.
  • Built and led a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, and implemented lean manufacturing techniques, improving efficiency.
  • Demonstrated competitive and independent nature to drive project success.
  • Collaborated with external vendors to source materials, components, and technologies necessary for product development initiatives.
  • Managed the design process from concept through completion for all assigned projects.
  • Created detailed project plans outlining timelines, milestones, deliverables, resources, budgets, and risks associated with each initiative.

Senior Formulation Chemist

GEA Farm Technologies
Romeoville , IL
04.2010 - 12.2011
  • Developed advanced formulations for new products, enhancing product portfolio. Conducted stability studies to ensure quality and compliance.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline manufacturing processes.
  • Leveraged concrete thinking and resourcefulness to solve complex problems.
  • Created testing methods to evaluate product performance, stability and compatibility with other compounds.
  • Modified existing formulations to improve processing efficiency and product quality.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all work performed in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Formulation Chemist

Westfalia Surge
Romeoville, IL
07.2007 - 04.2010
  • Created and tested formulations for various products, ensuring the quality and shelf life of the products. Worked closely with manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory to optimize the product development process.
  • Demonstrated predictability and confidence in achieving consistent results.
  • Evaluated raw materials used in production runs to ensure they meet specifications prior to use in formulating products.
  • Tested product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations and viscosities.
  • Ordered supplies, inventoried chemicals and materials and summarized and recorded data to meet control and research requirements.

Product Development Manager

Claire-Sprayway
Addison, IL
01.2005 - 07.2007

Led product development projects, introducing new products to market. Managed cross-functional teams to ensure product success. Implemented strategic planning to align product development with market needs. Utilized opportunistic mindset to drive innovation.

Research and Development Chemist

Claire-Sprayway
Addison, IL
11.1998 - 01.2005
  • Developed, tested and optimized new chemical formulations to meet customer requirements.
  • Compiled data from experiments, analyzed results and prepared technical reports summarizing findings.
  • Created detailed product specifications based on the results of research studies.
  • Evaluated competitive products for their performance characteristics in comparison to company products.

Education

Master of Science - Chemistry

Madras Christian College
India
06-1997

Skills

  • Innovation management
  • Technical leadership
  • Cost control
  • Collaborate cross-functionally
  • Training and development
  • Positive attitude
  • Time management
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Employee development
  • Team leadership
  • Business planning

Key Achievements

  • Innovative Product Development: Enhanced product portfolio at Westfalia Surge by developing 15+ new formulations, applying a resourceful and competitive approach, leading to increased market share.
  • Startegic Process Improvement: Streamlined R&D Process at Claire-Sprayway by 20% within two years by applying a systematic and assertive approach, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.
  • Cross Functional Team Leadership: Led a cross functional team at GEA Farm Technologies to successfully launch new products both in the US and in international markets demonstrating confident approach, resulting in increased annual revenue.

Affiliations

  • Lean in women circle leader, committed to advancing Lean In's mission of creating a more equal world.

Personality Strengths

  • Conventional - Adheres to established processes and methods
  • Flexible - Adaptable while maintaining stability and success
  • Collaborative - Relationship builder, assertive and equipped to lead
  • Considerate - Balances personal needs with empathy for others
  • Composed - Remains calm under pressure

Timeline

Director of Research and Development

GEA Farm Technologies
09.2023 - Current

Research and Development Manager

GEA Farm Technologies
01.2012 - 09.2023

Senior Formulation Chemist

GEA Farm Technologies
04.2010 - 12.2011

Formulation Chemist

Westfalia Surge
07.2007 - 04.2010

Product Development Manager

Claire-Sprayway
01.2005 - 07.2007

Research and Development Chemist

Claire-Sprayway
11.1998 - 01.2005

Master of Science - Chemistry

Madras Christian College
Lalitha William