R&D Manager

R&D Manager - Skin Care / SPF / Body Care / Hair Care

Eagan, MN direct hire, onsite

Pay: $115,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on experience

About The Opportunity

A personal care contract manufacturer and formulation lab in the south Twin Cities metro is adding an R&D Manager to lead its research and development team. The R&D Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving innovation and overseeing product and process development across skin care, SPF/suncare, body care and hair care formulations. This role requires extensive formulation expertise, a deep understanding of industry regulations, and a proven ability to manage complex projects. You will initiate, plan, direct and execute new product developments, process improvements and cost-saving initiatives while ensuring regulatory compliance, and you will mentor and develop a high-performing team in a collaborative, innovative culture serving a range of clients and brands.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership

- Lead, mentor and manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence

- Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with business goals and market trends

- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality formulations

- Mentor team members to grow their capabilities and support their career development

Product and Process Development

- Lead the technical side of product development through investigation, planning, execution, evaluation and reporting on new product and process development projects

- Independently initiate, investigate and implement significant new formulations, process improvements and cost-saving projects

- Assist formulation chemists on high-priority projects, advising and reviewing work as needed

- Evaluate and recommend new ingredients, processes and technologies, staying current on industry advancements

Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements for the domestic and/or international markets specified in project briefs

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation and other applicable regulations

- Support documentation and compliance for product registrations, claims substantiation and certifications

Innovation and Collaboration

- Drive innovation by exploring new ingredients, technologies and formulation techniques

- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and clients to achieve project goals

- Act as the technical consultant to the organization on formulation and processing issues

Project Management

- Develop and maintain project plans, identifying critical paths and required resources

- Ensure accurate documentation of work activities, formulations and testing results

- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership

Other

- Use statistical analysis and structured problem-solving to drive decisions

- Stay current on industry trends through seminars, literature and supplier networking

- Identify and implement process improvements that raise efficiency and innovation

What You Need

- B.S. in Chemistry, Biology or Cosmetic Science (Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field preferred)

- Minimum 10 years of product development experience, with at least 3 years in R&D management

- Demonstrated track record of hiring, developing and training high-performing teams

- Expertise in formulation and processing for skin care, SPF, body care and hair care products

- Strong working knowledge of the calculations, statistical analysis and regulatory requirements for sunscreen performance, including SPF and UVA protection determination (FDA and ISO guidance)

- Proficiency in statistical analysis, cosmetic chemistry and resource management

- Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMPs

- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; able to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels

- Proven ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage deadlines

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life insurance, critical care and accident insurance, PTO, sick leave, parental leave and 401(k).

Work Environment

Onsite R&D laboratory and cGMP manufacturing site in Eagan, MN.