Research & Development Manager

Research & Development ManagerSouth Hackensack, New Jersey, United StatesRole OverviewWe are seeking a qualified R&D Manager with proven expertise in the Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) industry to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess strong bilingual capabilities (Korean and English) at a business professional level, a deep understanding of K-Beauty trends and products, and a minimum of 5 years of industry experience. In the role of Research & Development Manager you will be a driving force behind the creation of innovative and high-quality k-beauty products. Your leadership, scientific expertise, and project management skills will be instrumental in bringing new concepts to life, ensuring product efficacy, and maintaining regulatory compliance. The position will collaborate closely with the Marketing, Design, Logistic, Sales Planning, National Sales teams, third party partners and agencies to execute and develop new initiatives that drive revenue.Duties & ResponsibilitiesProduct DevelopmentLead a team in the formulation and development of new k-beauty products.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Packaging, and Regulatory, to ensure alignment of product concepts with market trends and brand objectives.Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept ideation to final product launch.Formulation and TestingDevelop innovative and effective product formulations, considering factors such as ingredient compatibility, stability, and sensory attributes.Manage the testing to ensure product safety, stability, and performance.Implement quality control measures to maintain consistency and product integrity.Regulatory ComplianceStay informed about evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards for hair care, cosmetics and skincare products.Ensure all products meet legal and regulatory guidelines, including ingredient approvals and labeling requirements.Innovation and Market TrendsMonitor and analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor offerings to identify opportunities for product innovation and differentiation.Integrate emerging technologies and scientific advancements into product development strategies.Project ManagementDevelop project timelines, milestones, and budgets to ensure timely and efficient execution of product development initiatives.Track progress, manage potential risks, and adjust strategies as needed to meet project goals.Vendor and Supplier ManagementIdentify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external suppliers, laboratories, and manufacturers for raw materials, testing, and contract manufacturing.Cross-functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with Marketing and Sales teams to translate consumer insights and market trends into product concepts and marketing claims.Work with Operations and Supply Chain to facilitate the smooth transition of products from development to production.QualificationsA Bachelor's or masters degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, biochemistry, or a related field.Proven experience (5+ years) in product development and formulation within the k-beauty or personal care industry.Strong understanding of hair care/cosmetics, ingredient functionality, and formulation techniques.Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and requirements for hair care, skin care and cosmetic products.Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.Effective leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and mentor a diverse group of professionals.Strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration across departments and with external partners.Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on maintaining product quality and safety.Proficiency in relevant software and tools for formulation and project management.RequirementsLanguage Proficiency: Bilingual in Korean and English with business professional efficiencyIndustry Experience: Demonstrated expertise in the K-Beauty industry is essentialWork Authorization: Must have either a Green Card or H1B statusExperience: Minimum of 5 years of experience within the Korean Beauty industrySkillsStrong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and metrics.Excellent organizational and project management abilities.Proficiency in sales operations software and tools (e.g., CRM systems, sales analytics platforms).Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.What We OfferCompetitive salary and benefits packageSalary: Starting at $100k, with flexibility based on the candidates experience, skills and capabilitiesLots of other perks for ex: free lunchOpportunity to work with a passionate and innovative team.Career growth and development opportunities.A dynamic and inclusive work environment.