Job Title: Product Development Manager
Purpose: To supervise the R&D Scientists as they perform new product research and testing with the goal of creating innovative products with real efficacy. Product Development Manager will assist R&D Scientists as they formulate, source, and test new products prior to consideration for a marketing launch. Product Development Manager supports the R&D Department by learning the basic tasks that the R&D Scientists, Technicians, and Director of R&D are responsible for regarding new product testing and development.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Manage R&D Scientists as they enter new Product Development Forms for both short and long-term projects. Work with the Director of R&D regarding appropriate level of involvement and independence.
- Conduct independent research to identify possibilities for novel products and present idea proposals as needed
- Provide back up to the Director of R&D as needed and prioritize communication with General Manager
- Assist R&D Scientists with the formulation of new products based on specified requirements, with the sourcing and coding process for raw materials, and with testing and paperwork or specification generation
- Oversee initial stability testing of lab batches made by R&D Scientists and Senior R&D Scientists and coordinate coding process from experimental to final
- Support R&D Scientists and Technicians by suggesting new ideas, troubleshooting formulations, or sourcing issues, prioritizing projects, and providing backup when the R&D Scientists or Technicians need it
- Meet with Director of R&D weekly to keep the line of communication open, discuss status of department, and review all open items
- Assist in writing scientific abstracts, papers, and patents with the goal of publication
- Identify and propose continual improvements to the New Product Development process including project tracking, lab organization, and interdepartmental communication, testing and manufacturing methods.
- Lead and review minutes from weekly R&D meetings with R&D Scientists and Director of R&D to improve upon and track open short and long-term projects, make sure R&D Scientists have a good mix of functional and active products and those projects are completed in a timely fashion.
- Use analytical instrumentation and other labs to full potential for formulation and testing
Position Requirements:
- B.S., B.A., M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Cosmetic Science, or a related scientific discipline.
- 2+ years management experience in a lab setting required. Product formulation or related experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent written and verbal communication, computer, and organizational skills.
