Director of Research and Development

The client is seeking an experienced Director of Research and Development (RandD) to lead product development initiatives and provide hands-on technical leadership. This onsite, direct-hire role is based in Columbus, Indiana, and is expected to be a key driver of continued growth and effectiveness within the RandD function, with a focus on solving technical challenges and moving ideas from concept through commercialization. Responsibilities include leading product development and formulation projects from concept through implementation, designing experiments, analyzing results, and providing technical recommendations. The Director will supervise, mentor, and develop a small RandD team; develop and improve formulations, products, and manufacturing processes; and troubleshoot formulation and technical challenges. The role also requires collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams, prioritizing projects and resources to support business objectives, and presenting findings and recommendations to leadership and customers. The role will support laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements. Required qualifications include leading product development and formulation efforts end-to-end, providing technical direction to an RandD team, designing and evaluating experiments, improving formulations and manufacturing processes, troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with Quality and Regulatory partners, prioritizing multiple initiatives, and communicating recommendations to stakeholders. Preferred qualifications include product development and/or formulation experience, familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments, working knowledge of quality and regulatory compliance requirements, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Confidential