Senior Research & Development Manager - Innovation

Overview At Vytalogy, we believe everyone should have access to better health and nutrition to fuel their wellness. As a leader in the vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS) industry, we’re home to trusted brands Natrol and Jarrow Formulas. With locations in Los Angeles, CA, Boulder, CO, and Haslet, TX, we bring science-backed wellness products to consumers nationwide. Summary: The Senior Manager, Innovation is a key leadership role within the Research & Development organization at Vytalogy Wellness. This individual is responsible for the full lifecycle of new product innovation, from concept development through commercialization, across Natrol and Jarrow Formulas brand portfolios. The role requires a strong science and formula foundation, a bias for action, and the ability to translate consumer, science, and marketing insights into differentiated, technically feasible products. The Senior Manager, Innovation leads a team of formulators and collaborates cross-functionally with Scientific Affairs, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management Office to deliver innovation on time and in full. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Research & Development. Your primary activities will include but are not limited to: Innovation Pipeline Leadership Drive the end-to-end development of new dietary supplements products, from ideation and feasibility through benchtop, pilot scale-up, factory trial, and commercial launch. Lead reformulation and line extension projects in alignment with brand strategy and consumer insights. Evaluate emerging ingredient technologies, delivery formats, and supplier innovations to build a differentiated and defensible innovation pipeline. Collaborate with Marketing and Scientific Affairs to translate consumer, science, and category trends into actionable product concepts. Technical Execution Develop and optimize formulations across multiple delivery formats (tablets, capsules, softgels, gummies, powder, and liquids), ensuring product quality, stability, and manufacturability. Troubleshoot formulation and processing challenges with speed and rigor, applying sound scientific reasoning and knowledge of ingredient-excipient interactions. Partner with contract manufacturers and internal operations teams to execute factory trials and commercialization activities. Apply knowledge of nutraceutical science, food science, and regulatory requirements to guide product design decisions. Documentation and Compliance Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation including raw material, bulk, and finished product specifications, SOPs, stability protocols, and technology transfer documentation. Ensure all products are developed in compliance with FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations and applicable labeling requirements. Support claim substantiation activities in partnership with Scientific Affairs, including review of clinical evidence and regulatory guidance relevant to product claims. Team Leadership and Cross Functional Partnership Manage, mentor, and develop a team of R&D professionals, providing clear direction, feedback and growth opportunities. Represent R&D effectively in cross-functional project teams and stage-gate reviews, communicating technical risks, timelines, and decisions with clarity. Support supplier and vendor qualification processes including evaluation of new ingredients, co-manufacturers, and testing partners. Procure development samples, coordinate consumer testing (CLT, iHUT, in-house), and manage technical workstreams across multiple concurrent projects. You’ll need the following (minimum qualifications): Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Nutrition, Food Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related field required. Minimum 6-8 years of progressive product development experience in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, functional foods, or consumer packaged goods (CPG); or a master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience. Prior people management experience required; demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of direct reports. Experience in a multi-brand or PE backed environment is a plus. Comprehensive knowledge of dietary supplement formulation across multiple delivery forms, with depth in at least two format categories (e.g., gummies, tablets, capsules, softgels, powders). Foundational knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, labeling requirements under 21 CFR Parts 101 and 111, and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). Working knowledge of stability testing principles and quality systems relevant to supplement manufacturing. Familiarity with ingredient supplier landscape, contract manufacturing operations, and analytical testing requirements. Strong project management instincts with the ability to manage multiple innovation streams simultaneously and drive projects to completion with urgency and accountability. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders including Marketing, Sales, and senior leadership. Collaborative team player who thrives in a cross-functional environment and builds productive relationships across departments. Creative problem solver with high adaptability to changing priorities and a continuous improvement mindset. Willing to travel between 10% - 25% as necessary. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $140,000 to $170,000. Actual compensation offered may vary depending on skill level, experience, and/or education. Vytalogy Wellness LLC offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K with company matching contributions, paid sick days, vacation, and holidays, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and wellness programs. Vytalogy Wellness, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Vytalogy Wellness, LLC collects personal information of job applicants in connection with our recruitment and hiring activities. For more information, including the categories of personal information we may collect, the purposes for which we collect such personal information and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information, see our Notice of Collection for California Employees, Job Applicants and Contractors. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vytalogy Wellness