Director of Research and Innovation

The Director of Research & Innovation is a hands-on leader responsible for managing the full life cycle of product development, from concept through commercialization, while embedding innovation into daily R&D operations. This role combines scientific and technical leadership with strategic innovation to drive new product launches, improve existing formulations, and create meaningful advancements across skincare, PTC, and personal care categories. In a dynamic contract manufacturing environment, the director will ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-centric development processes—while fostering a pipeline of breakthrough ideas that fuel long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day Product Development Leadership:

• Lead the development of new and reformulated products across skincare, OTC, and personal care categories, with emphasis on compliant and effective OTC products and mineral-based sunscreens.
• Own and be fully responsible for the end-to-end R&D execution of the product development process, overseeing and ensuring robust technical execution across formulation, scale-up, testing, and documentation.
• Translate client briefs into actionable development plans and deliverables, aligning with cost, timing, and performance expectations.
• Oversee formulation optimization, technical troubleshooting and investigations in lab and manufacturing, and stability across the product lifecycle.
• Streamline development timelines and improve success rates through process enhancements and cross-functional coordination.
• Lead review and documentation of specifications, testing protocols, and regulatory filings with precision and efficiency.
• Provide guidance to the R&D team, ensuring they understand the background and adhere to the timely execution of OOS, DEV, CC, and any other documents necessary for the smooth day-to-day operation.

Integrated Innovation Strategy:

• Embed innovation into everyday R&D activities by identifying ways to reimagine ingredients, delivery systems, and product formats during standard development cycles.
• Drive innovation in OTC and sunscreen formulation with a focus on mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) that deliver high SPF without white cast.
• Develop and implement a forward-thinking innovation pipeline that uncovers white space opportunities and aligns with evolving market needs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Regulatory, Operations) to co-develop compelling product concepts and client-facing innovation strategies.
• Track global trends, new materials, and emerging technologies, translating them into actionable product initiatives.

Team Development & Culture Building:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing R&D team skilled in both technical formulation and regulatory strategy.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that encourages creative thinking, proactive problem solving and technical excellence.
• Support continuous learning in SPF formulation science, regulatory updates, and emerging ingredient technologies.
• Drive a mindset of continuous improvement in both team dynamics and technical execution.

Client-Facing Technical Expertise:

• Serve as a senior technical point of contact for clients, presenting project updates, and technical rationale with clarity and confidence.
• Interpret complex client briefs and regulatory expectations into clear, actionable development roadmaps.
• Work with clients to collaboratively create differentiated products that meet their brand positioning and business goals.
• Partner with Sales to co-create compelling, claim-driven innovation toolkits and concept presentations for customers.
• Guide the R&D team in delivering timely, high-quality, and innovative solutions in response to client needs.

Regulatory, Quality & Compliance Oversight:

• Ensure product development adheres to all applicable regulatory standards (FDA, EU, etc.) and documentation protocols.
• Review and approve technical files including PIFs, MSDS, claims substantiation, and ingredient compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with QA/RA teams to proactively address potential compliance or safety issues across all launches.
• Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Proven track record of developing and launching successful cosmetic and personal care products.
• Deep understanding of global cosmetic regulations, raw material innovation, and formulation science.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in customer-facing roles.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a results-driven mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D and innovation within the beauty, personal care, or consumer health sectors.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
• Deep knowledge of formulation development, raw materials, process scale-up, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated success in balancing technical development with the strategic introduction of innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Contract manufacturing experience preferred.