Research & Development Manager

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, California

O Positiv Health is a Los Angeles-based women's health company on a mission to support women through every stage of life—from their first period to well beyond their last. Since launching in 2018, O Positiv has reshaped the women's health space, tackling long-overlooked issues with innovative, science-backed products and boldly breaking taboos along the way. Our growing portfolio spans PMS & hormone balance, vaginal & urinary health, digestion, menopause, and conception support—offering vitamins, supplements, and personal care products that women trust.

Today, O Positiv products are sold nationwide at Target, Walmart, CVS, Meijer, Amazon, Tik Tok Shop, and  We're proud to hold the #1 Vaginal Probiotic nationwide and multiple top-performing products across major wellness categories. We are scaling fast and shaping the future of women's health. Our team combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for innovation and a commitment to impact.

Join us, and you'll have the opportunity to grow alongside a company that's making a real difference.

The Research & Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product development for both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv's growth. You will be part of the creation of OP's rapidly growing product line and new offerings in women's health, wellness and more.

The ideal candidate is an individual with a strong scientific research background, a high level of organization among competing priorities, and a natural curiosity with a willingness to learn. The Research & Development Manager will report to the Director of Product Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to support innovation and execution of O Positiv's product roadmap.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Bring innovative and differentiated products from concept to market that support our core customers' health goals and align with O Positiv's commitments / standards
• Conduct ingredient research / literature reviews; identify novel ingredients and formats to explore / evaluate for product feasibility
• Stay up to date to new trends in ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.) relevant to OP's product roadmap and concept designs
• Substantiate claims by composing comprehensive summaries of clinical research that support product claims
• Manage project coordination in tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product's development through the product's launch date
• Assist with the artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory requirements
• Provide scientific support on marketing campaigns, landing pages, and other customer-facing literature
• Provide feedback on samples submissions and ensure formulations meet OP's specifications, are efficacious and fall within budget requirements
• Support the reformulation of existing products to ensure products continue to be differentiated and meet marketing and customer expectations

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience:
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in Science (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field
• 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the functional foods, supplements, or skincare industry
• Exceptional expertise in technical research including ingredient pathology, project management, and vendor relationship management
• Interpersonal:
• Strong leadership & communication skills: listen, mentor, and teach by example
• Thrives in fast-paced environments
• Strong project management and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage multiple moving pieces and lead different groups of individuals
• Adaptable to new technology and innovations
• Thoughtful and self-reflective, willingness to learn and adapt
• Team-player, hard-working, organized, and goal-oriented
• Excitement for startups and building from the ground up

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Hours and Compensation

• The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $135,000 - $165,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay based on prior experience
• Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days
• Monthly Social Hours
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• 401K with matching
• $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits
• An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers