Research and Product Development-(R&PD) Director

We are a fast-growing, innovative company that is revolutionizing global health. We have a dynamic team that is passionate about improving the lives of people and pets by delivering premium, healthy products through world-class research, innovation, and manufacturing.

Job Summary:
In partnership with the CEO, the Research and Product Development Director is responsible for defining and hands-on executing the company’s long-term innovation strategy and scientific vision to drive groundbreaking advancements in research and product development. This role oversees and participates in high-level research initiatives, technology innovation, intellectual property development, and also benchtop synthesis and formulations, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of personal care, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical drug products. This position will work closely with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external research collaborators and institutions to translate cutting-edge science into commercially viable solutions, expand the company’s intellectual property portfolio, and optimize R&PD processes for global scalability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Innovation & Scientific Leadership:

• Define and execute the R&PD roadmap with a focus on long-term innovation, disruptive technologies, and competitive differentiation.
• Lead high-level scientific research initiatives, leveraging our portfolio technologies, exploring new active ingredients, delivery systems, and formulation techniques.
• Spearhead technology scouting and external research collaborations with universities, research institutions, and biotech firms.
• Develop and implement intellectual property strategies, including patents, trade secrets, and proprietary formulation protection.
• Identify emerging market trends and scientific advancements to guide product innovation and portfolio expansion.

Advanced Product Development & Technology Advancement:

• Direct the development of next-generation formulations, leveraging advancements in bioavailability and clean-label ingredients.
• Oversee high-complexity projects that require advanced formulation techniques and specialized analytical testing.
• Define breakthrough research initiatives that push beyond incremental improvements, differentiating the company’s products in the market.
• Optimize R&PD infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, and work with quality to advance analytical instrumentation to enhance research efficiency.
• Assess and implement new technologies to improve formulation scalability, performance, and manufacturing processes. Ensure R&PD projects align with the company’s business strategy, regulatory landscape, and competitive positioning.

Regulatory Strategy & Compliance Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership on global regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA, CFDA, ISO, cGMP, and other international standards).
• Help guide regulatory interactions related to clinical trials, product registration, and claim substantiation.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs and Quality teams to anticipate and proactively address compliance risks.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration:

• Work closely with the CEO, and then executive leadership, marketing, and commercial teams to align R&PD efforts with market and business goals.
• Act as the primary liaison between the R&D department, internal departments, and external research partners, and regulatory experts.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation by mentoring R&D staff and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with the Senior Product Development Manager on product lifecycle management, ensuring seamless integration of research into commercialization.

Leadership:

• Drive R&PD budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring optimal investment in research, and innovation,
• Manage, mentor, and develop scientific teams
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture
• Focus on results by setting goals, measuring progress, and providing timely, constructive feedback

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Ph.D. (preferred) or Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 12 years of progressive leadership experience in R&PD, innovation, and scientific research within the nutraceutical, supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceutical or medical device industries.
• Management Experience: 5 years of leadership experience in a scientific or R&D environment with the proven ability to inspire, develop and lead high performance teams that are results oriented, innovative, and collaborative.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of formulation and synthesis chemistry, dosage delivery technologies, and bioavailability enhancement.
• Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to develop and execute high-level innovation strategies.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Experience with global regulatory frameworks, clinical research oversight, and scientific claim substantiation.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Strong ability to engage with industry experts, lead R&PD teams, and manage multi-disciplinary research programs.
• Business Acumen: Experience in budget management, IP strategy, and commercial R&PD translation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods.
• Walking, bending, and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

COMPENSATION BENEFITS

• Base salary bonus based on company and personal performance
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Supplement insurance programs with company assistance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time off, Paid Holidays