Director - Research Product Development & Innovation

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Lead the R&D team to be the leader in the industry – in innovation, in Product Development, in customer service, in quality and in current business practices. Challenge other departments to be leaders in the industry.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contributes to EBITDA
• Responsible for the R&D budget
• Supports the monthly / yearly Production goals and company growth
• Supports Marketing / Product Development (PD) with technical services and project assessments
• Interacts with Marketing / PD for all new innovations
• Meet with potential clients for new business opportunities
• Create and develop new technology (for example, swirls) – formulations, filling technology, application
• Review current business state for improvement opportunities – department processes, manufacturing processes (equipment), raw material inventory, system capabilities (Optiva / QAD), network integration
• Responsible for a safe and clean working environment for the R&D staff
• Direct and assign new projects to Manager/Supervisor and Chemists
• Provides technical presentations about formulations and key ingredients
• Supports the R&D staff with daily activities – formulation, batch troubleshooting, customer service
• Provide training and evaluate performance of the R&D staff on a yearly basis
• Ensures all R&D staff are fully trained on all relative SOP’s and procedures
• Maintains all training records for staff
• Create career goals for the R&D staff
• Ensure R&D are fully aligned with quality goals and objectives
• Create and update SOP and Lab procedures
• Research for new raw materials for current and new formulations
• Responsible for pilot and first production batches
• Review Master Files for final approval before certification – lab experiments, procedures, specifications
• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory to review raw materials, formulas, C of A’s and stability / PET reports
• Validate and authorize batch adjustments and rework procedures
• If needed, participate in company audits (FDA, customer, other)

PHYSICAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and/or Biochemistry
• At least ten (10) years experience in a Cosmetic Research & Development Laboratory and Product Formulations
• Excellent computer, communication, math and business skills
• Has quality background/experience and fully aware of GMP and GLP
• Worked at cosmetic manufacturing and participated in pilot/scale up and filling at some capacity
• Active member of SCC and continuous attendance at seminars
• Travel as needed

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent leadership abilities while working with lab staff and supporting others
• Must be a team player and create a team working environment
• Gives attention to detail and patient
• Great listener
• Must be able to have a flexible schedule and be able to work extra hours
• Can handle self under pressure
• Can handle employee issues with a high level of confidentiality
• Excellent communication skills with Management, Customers, Suppliers.