Manager, R&D

Position Overview:

The Manager of R&D reports directly to the VP of R&D and assumes responsibility for formulating strategies and overseeing all R&D endeavors. Leveraging personal expertise, this individual ensures adherence to food safety, quality, and manufacturing practices, fostering strategic leadership and tactical support across all departments to guarantee the production of NutraSelf products of the highest caliber. The primary focus lies in augmenting the R&D department’s capabilities, particularly in dietary supplements, encompassing beadlets, powder blending, and encapsulation. In addition, the Manager of R&D will work closely with customers to ensure projects move through development to commercial runs promptly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and execute benchtop experiments, generating samples for new product development.
• Conduct comprehensive research on emerging technologies, conceptualize innovative ideas, and present findings.
• Maintain a well-organized and hygienic laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency in HACCP principles, overseeing verification and validation activities.
• Collaborate with R&D teams, furnishing essential services to ensure the quality of their operations.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of the R&D strategy for the company.
• Devise new procedures to enhance product quality while optimizing cost efficiency.
• Direct contact with customers during development and through commercial runs.

Key Competencies:

• Exhibit accountability to proactively manage departmental activities and take ownership of outcomes.
• Operate with a sense of urgency, ensuring the timely completion of tasks.
• Demonstrate proactivity in identifying opportunities for contribution and anticipating business needs.
• Possess excellent analytical skills, facilitating the development, measurement, and reporting KPIs.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster a team-oriented approach, collaborating with effectively with diverse populations.
• Uphold integrity in all circumstances, valuing open communication.
• Maintain an open-minded attitude, considering diverse perspectives.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all safety protocols, including wearing required PPE and following safe practices.
• Facilitate cross-training initiatives throughout the facility.
• Provide technical support to production, ensuring adherence to standard procedures.
• Prepare and maintain materials and equipment throughout the production process.

Requirements and Skills:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a R&D management role, preferably within the dietary supplement manufacturing sector.
• Proficiency in Label Review, Formulation, HACCP, Food Defense, and Root Cause Analysis preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Effective organizational, prioritization, and time management abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Self-motivated with sound judgement in decision-making.
• Punctual and reliable in attendance.
• Ability to work in a loud manufacturing environment with exposure to powders and heavy equipment.
• Fluent in English
• Willingness to learn various work processes and adapt to changes in tasks.
• Flexible availability, including occasional weekend work.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods.
• Proficiency in computer usage for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds.
• Willingness to wear required PPE.
• Tolerance for various smells and aromas.
• Ability to perform bilateral hand and wrist movements, occasional squatting, bending, and twisting.
• Flexibility to adjusting work schedules based on business needs.

Additional Details & Benefits:

• Full Time with competitive pay
• Health benefit package
• 401K
• PTO
• Casual company environment, with a work hard / play hard culture.
• Location for position is located in Ogden, Utah

Notice to Recruiters: We do not work with outside recruiting agencies. Please do not solicit.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive and does not constitute an employment contract beyond an “at-will” relationship. The position, duties, and qualifications are subject to change at any time.

Qualifications