Our client helps both emerging and global brands create amazing products that help people worldwide look and feel their best. From single service to full turnkey solutions — they are with their clients every step of the way. They are a global provider with a small-business heart, collaborating with companies of all sizes and stages. They've built their reputation through results and relationships.
Our client seeks an inspiring individual to fill the position of Director, Research & Development (R&D), in their growing organization. S/he will have a passion for innovation and new business development focused on the personal care space and can drive actionable ideas from concept to commercialization.
As a Director of R&D, this person will play a crucial role in maintaining the companies' competitive edge, galvanizing innovation and new product development, and championing new opportunities for growth. Armed with a solid foundation in technology, science, or engineering, and an outstanding track record in a leadership role, s/he will steer, design, and execute our research and development efforts. Supervisory Responsibilities include Research & Development Chemists and Technicians.
Essential Duties Innovation & New Product Development
Strategize and direct all Research and Development (R&D) activities to align with the Companys growth objectivesOverseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of R&D projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards to meet the Companys financial expectationsPartner with strategic accounts to drive a collaborative innovation pipeline, aligning R&D organizations and customer expectations, focused on the personal care marketsLead, motivate, and manage a high-performing team of research professionalsOversee innovation and new product development projects from inception to commercializationCollaborate with stakeholders and partners, both internal and external, to understand emerging market trends and customer challengesDevise and implement policies and objectives to ensure the R&D department stays at the forefront of the industry and is aligned to key value drivers for the businessExecute cost-effective and efficient research processes and methodsReview all proposed new product development activities for feasibility and revenue potentialDeliver new formulation and processing instructions for all new products to the operations team for successful trials and scale-up that meet stringent safety requirements and customer specificationsDevelop research programs to incorporate current product developments to improve existing product portfolio to improve performance and drive cost advantagesBenchmark competitive and emerging technologies to ensure competitive advantageUnderstanding customer expectations on to-be manufactured products and ensure smooth transition to operations during scale-upResearch packaging innovations and develop roadmap to support customer sustainability initiatives that are compatible with chemistries using a research-driven process Qualifications Master's degree in a scientific discipline; Doctorate preferredA Bachelors degree in science, technology, engineering, or a related field (required)At least fifteen (15) years of experience in manufacturing with a demonstrated pattern of increasing levels of responsibilityTen + (10+) years of product development experience; including the determination of technical specifications and development of validation protocolsProven experience in managing and directing an R&D teamExceptional technical knowledge and a thought leader in the field Skills:
High level of interpersonal skills; ability to work closely with all levels of management and key external stakeholders to facilitate positive outcomesExperience developing new products, compounding pilot batches, structuring scale-up procedures, defining technical specifications and developing validation protocols Proven project management skills demonstrated by successful product launchesPromote innovative manufacturing opportunities to assist the company in identifying potential growth areas.Acute attention to detailAbsolute understanding of business ethicsGood listening and questioning skillsAbility to follow through on commitment, take ownership and accept responsibilityStrong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong leadership and team management abilitiesSuperior problem-solving and strategic planning abilities