Summary:
The R & D Manger is responsible for managing personnel and projects that grow and maintain the business. This requires developing new personal care product formulas, reformulating/improving the existing product portfolio, as well as evaluating for optimization of materials, formulas, and processes. This position manages the projects and specialists assigned to those projects. The R&D Manager works with multiple departments: Marketing, Sales, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Analytical Services, Cost Accounting, Purchasing, Engineering, and Production Planning. This position requires a candidate that works as a team member, on multiple teams, in a fast paced high volume environment, to accomplish goals and objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Exhibit team player qualities of cooperation and coordination; professional interaction in all business contacts, all day, every day
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Present for work when scheduled is a mandatory function. Work hours may extend pass normal business hours based on the workload of the department.
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Compliance and enforcement of all company safety rules, procedures and guidelines is essential. Reporting of safety issues is mandatory.
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Manage projects and personnel to develop/reformulate/optimize robust, quality formulas, to meet all specifications/requirements as indicated by a New Product Profile through bench experimentation
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Work with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Marketing/Sales and Project Management to establish product/project profiles, specifications, timelines, and claims/testing requirements
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Manage projects to meet agreed upon specifications and timelines
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Assist chemists with formulation difficulties/issues to ensure completion on time and to meet quality standards
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Optimize formulations to meet minimal cost and process objectives
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Manage raw material requirements and obsolescence by engaging relative departments for the project (Regulatory, Purchasing, Quality, Project Management)
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Prepare product/project communication timelines and reviews- including analytical, technical and financial data for guidance and support to other departments and customers
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Create, review, and approve technical documents to support product development. (Ingredient Statements, Formula Cards, Cost Formulas, Raw Material Supplement Forms, Waivers, etc.)
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Train personnel to execute project commitments and pursue contingency plans within compliance and enforcement of company policies and procedures
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Knowledge of product categories to communicate effectively the requirements, specifications, and regulations needed for product integrity, quality, and safety
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Monitor brand products for changes that might prompt new products, reformulations, or optimizations
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Interact with suppliers, contract facilities, customers, and governing agencies to achieve robust, quality, cost effective products
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Investigate and implement appropriate corrective actions to customer formula complaints
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Write and deliver technical presentations and/or demonstrations for internal and external factions, to train and illustrate the benefits and mechanisms of technologies built into products
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Submit, manage, and/or assist other departments with detailed product information to third party certification programs (i.e. USDA, Safer Choice, Green Seal, Ecologo, NSF, ADA, TTB, etc.)
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Prepare research proposals including analytical, technical, and financial data for developing and testing new or improved products, internally and with external labs, suppliers, and customers
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Evaluate and review multiple forms of data from internal experiments and reports, as well as third party reports, to manage and regulate products and their technologies
Supervisory Responsibilities:
R&D Specialists (Senior Chemists, Chemists and Technicians)
Education Requirements:
A Bachelors’ Degree in Chemistry or related science; and eight years of related experience and/or training or combination of 15 years education and related experience
Experience Requirements:
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8+ years formulating experience in personal care or related field
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Experience with MS Word, Excel and Power Point reporting tools and all Microsoft applications
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Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios to practical situations
Competencies:
- Excellent organizational skills required, with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast paced high volume environment
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Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and personnel
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Team member with the preference towards collaborating on group projects rather than working individually
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High standards for quality of work
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Compliance and enforcement of all company safety rules, procedures, and guidelines is essential and mandatory.
- Enthusiastic, with a positive attitude and passion for innovation
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Strong information management and communication skills
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Efficient management of time and use of resources
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Inspires confidence and trust by being dependable and honest
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Logical approach to judgement and decision making based on original thinking, direct experience, and high quality, independently verifiable evidence
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical
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Ability to deal with ambiguity
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Priority setting
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Process management
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Drive for results
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Excellent Interpersonal skills
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Understanding of industry rules and regulations. FDA, EPA, GMPs
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Problem solving and assessing risk management
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Ability to travel
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Good listening skills
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Efficient management of time and use of resources
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
n/a
Travel:
Light travel
