Sr. Manager of Research & Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Sr. Manager of Research & Development is responsible for managing the Research & Development (R&D) teams to execute science-driven innovation and formulation strategies for food, chocolates, cosmetics, and nutritional supplement products. Helps develop and optimize products to meet consumer needs, regulatory requirements, and market differentiation. Continuously evaluates the product portfolio and suggests improvements based on experience, trends and customer feedback.

Ensures all projects align with company strategy, timelines and technical standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, or Cosmetic Science or related field with 7+ years of industry-related experience; or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years of relevant industry experience (PhD is preferred).
• A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing R&D, formulation, or scientific teams within the nutraceutical, functional food, chocolates, and/or personal care industries is required.
• Strong track record of successfully leading and managing research and product development teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for various audiences.
• Experience with research evaluation, literature review, ingredient assessment, and claims substantiation to support innovative product development and commercialization.
• Demonstrated examples of dietary supplements, functional foods, and wellness‑focused personal care products, with a strong understanding of formulation science, ingredient functionality, and regulatory requirements.
• Hands‑on formulation and manufacturing experience with nutrition and protein bars, chocolate products, and functional snack applications utilizing food technology, and ingredients such as proteins, nuts, fibers, and natural sweeteners.
• Knowledge of product development processes for cosmetics and personal care products, including ingredient compatibility, stability, and consumer‑driven innovation.
• Strong understanding of FDA, FTC, DSHEA, labeling regulations, and product claims compliance across dietary supplements, food products, and personal care categories.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to successfully scale products from concept through commercialization.
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment and demonstrate the ability to organize and prioritize multiple competing tasks and demands.

• Lead R&D innovation and formulation initiatives across dietary supplements, functional foods, protein bars, chocolate products, and wellness‑focused personal care products.
• Evaluate ingredients, technologies, delivery systems, and dosage forms (capsules, powders, liquids, bars, and others) using scientific evidence to substantiate product efficacy and health claim substantiation.
• Manage product development team, and help guide projects from concept through commercialization, including formulation, prototyping, pilot production, scale‑up, validation, and manufacturing transfer.
• Integrate inventory‑driven formulations to deplete excess inventories of discontinued formulas, blended powders and raw materials.
• Develop and formulate new meal replacement and nutrition bars, food products, and chocolates.
• Resolve any issues related to raw materials, formulations, and processes. Assist in pilot batches, scale‑up activities, technical validation, and troubleshooting during manufacturing.
• Help guide raw material storage strategies in conjunction with Planning, Purchasing, and Inventory teams.
• Communicate and share emerging science and technologies, along with project status, risks, and recommendations, to senior leadership and the CEO.
• Organizational skills in managing multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
• Implement R&D best practices, including PD lab operations, documentation standards, experimental design, and process optimization for scalable manufacturing.
• Set long‑term R&D and innovation roadmap aligned with business growth and senior leadership.
• Cultivate external…