Senior Manager R&D Lead

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life, Nature's Bounty, Vital Proteins, Orgain, Nuun, BOOST, Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Peptamen, Compleat Organic Blends, and more.

We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way.

We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager R&D Lead drives innovation for a strategic Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) brand, driving growth, product differentiation, and competitive advantage. This role partners closely with the business to identify and execute R&D priorities, leveraging emerging science, technology, and clinical insights to deliver consumer-focused innovation and support long-term brand success. This position is based in Bridgewater, NJ  and requires in office presence weekly.

Responsibilities:

R&D representative for the corresponding VMS brand, aligning business needs with R&D opportunities

Co-leads the definition of the Innovation & Renovation (I&R) pipeline for the corresponding VMS brand, developing short, mid and long-term plans to support future innovation with new concepts and technologies

Provides technical expertise on future product development, including new ingredients, products, and processes, and translates science and technology solutions into commercially viable pipeline opportunities

Oversees the strategic VMS project portfolio and partners cross-functionally with Product Development and Project Management teams to ensure innovation launches are delivered on time and within budget

Builds and manages strategic partnerships across the Nestlé R&D network, suppliers, and key external stakeholders to advance brand innovation

Strengthens organizational capabilities aligned with R&D and business priorities, while developing talent, succession pipelines, and knowledge transfer plans to ensure long-term team effectiveness

Creates synergies through effective networking with all relevant R&D Units, business partners, markets, and external partners Comply with Nestlé Integrated Management Systems and all company policies and procedures

Requirements:

Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline required,  Ph.D. preferred
10+ years of R&D experience with a track record of leading innovation and managing technical knowledge within operational environments

Proven leadership skills in working with global business and markets’ stakeholders to influence strategic business objectives through R&D innovation

Deep understanding of the VMS industry, competitive landscape, and evolving consumer insights

Growth-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for leveraging digital tools and technologies

Collaborative team player with the ability to navigate cross-functional and matrixed environments

Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence diverse audiences

Demonstrates strong integrity, accountability, and professional ethics

Skills:

Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly to drive informed decision-making

Passionate about developing talent, advancing consumer-centric innovation, and creating positive community impact

Promotes a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing

Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgment and thoughtful risk management

Builds cross-functional partnerships to accelerate collaboration and business performance

Navigates diverse cultural,…