Research & Development Manager

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, California

O Positiv Health is a Los Angeles-based women's health company on a mission to support women through every stage of life—from their first period to well beyond their last. Since launching in 2018, O Positiv has reshaped the women's health space, tackling long-overlooked issues with innovative, science-backed products and boldly breaking taboos along the way. Our growing portfolio spans PMS & hormone balance, vaginal & urinary health, digestion, menopause, and conception support—offering vitamins, supplements, and personal care products that women trust.

Today, O Positiv products are sold nationwide at Target, Walmart, CVS, Meijer, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and OPositiv.com. We're proud to hold the #1 Vaginal Probiotic nationwide and multiple top-performing products across major wellness categories. We are scaling fast and shaping the future of women's health. Our team combines an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for innovation and a commitment to impact. Join us, and you'll have the opportunity to grow alongside a company that's making a real difference.

The Research & Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product development for both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv's growth. You will be part of the creation of OP's rapidly growing product line and new offerings in women's health, wellness and more.

The ideal candidate is an individual with a strong scientific research background, a high level of organization among competing priorities, and a natural curiosity with a willingness to learn. The Research & Development Manager will report to the VP of Research & Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to support innovation and execution of O Positiv's product roadmap.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Bring innovative and differentiated products from concept to market that support our core customers' health goals and align with O Positiv's commitments / standards
• Conduct ingredient research / literature reviews; identify novel ingredients and formats to explore / evaluate for product feasibility
• Stay up to date to new trends in ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.) relevant to OP's product roadmap and concept designs
• Substantiate claims by composing comprehensive summaries of clinical research that support product claims
• Manage project coordination in tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product's development through the product's launch date
• Assist with the artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory requirements
• Provide scientific support on marketing campaigns, landing pages, and other customer-facing literature
• Provide feedback on samples submissions and ensure formulations meet OP's specifications, are efficacious and fall within budget requirements
• Support the reformulation of existing products to ensure products continue to be differentiated and meet marketing and customer expectations

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in Science (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field
• 4-8+ years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the functional foods, supplements, or skincare industry
• Exceptional expertise in technical research including ingredient pathology, project management, and vendor relationship management

• Strong leadership & communication skills: listen, mentor, and teach by example
• Thrives in fast-paced environments
• Strong project management and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage multiple moving pieces and lead different groups of individuals
• Adaptable to new technology and innovations
• Thoughtful and self-reflective, willingness to learn and adapt
• Team-player, hard-working, organized, and goal-oriented
• Excitement for startups and building from the ground up

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Hours and Compensation

• The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $135,000 - $160,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay based on prior experience
• Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote)

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days
• Monthly Social Hours
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• 401K with matching
• $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits
• An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers

O Positiv is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

O Positiv believes in the power of building a diverse and culturally inclusive team. We seek candidates from all backgrounds to join our teams. We're driven to build a workplace based on inclusive behaviors and equitable systems, where all employees can bring their authentic selves, feel engaged, and share their perspectives as a valued member of O Positiv.