KDC is a network of best-in-class custom formulators and manufacturers of color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, bath & body, fragrance, deodorant, home, health, industrial, and auto care products. KDC delivers high-touch innovation, operational excellence, and speed to market to well-known and emerging beauty, personal, and specialty companies from coast to coast. KDC has its head office in Longueuil, Québec. In addition, KDC has 10 operating facilities located throughout North America. Altogether, the company employs nearly 4,800 talented and dedicated employees in North America.
Job Description
Position: Senior Director, R&D
Department: Research & Development
BASIC FUNCTION
The incumbent will be responsible for all creative and technical aspects of R&D and new product development for prestige haircare and skincare business including the development and guidance of a multi-functional team, the timely and efficient delivery of innovative products via a rigorous and measured development process and the identification of new and cutting edge technologies. Driving new the product strategies and creating the roadmaps to ensure successful execution will be a key responsibility. Build organizational capability and develop lab succession. As part of senior leadership team, contribute to business through strategic planning and use of KPI’s and performance metrics.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee formulation of new and re-formulation of existing products based upon benchmark prototypes, product development profiles and proactive formulations of new product forms, textures and aesthetics.
• Responsible for all technical aspects of the innovation effort by identifying and developing new, unique product forms to help support proactive customer presentations and sales growth. Oversee innovation chemist and maintain an active innovation pipeline.
• Maintain knowledge of raw material technology, formula technology and current trends in skin care, hair care and personal care products.
• Manage, motivate, recruit and train technical staff and interface with processing, planning and production team members.
• Manage multiple projects with ownership on all aspects of projects from inception to product launch and post launch issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement by utilizing KPI’s and key metrics throughout all areas of responsibility. Collaborate across all departments to ensure top level performance against customer scorecards and company performance measures.
• Oversee and insure adherence to cGMP’s (current Good Manufacturing Practices), GLP’s (Good Lab Practices), SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) and FDA/OTC regulations.
• Work closely with Sales / Marketing in product direction, establishing priorities and recommending new development ideas.
• Respond to and assist customers with technical guidance and problem resolutions.
• Interface and build relationships with key customers.
• Support Sales through active participation in customer meetings, both on site and at customer locations.
• Maintain current knowledge of global, local and company formulation guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Provide ongoing recommendations for continuous improvements in practices and systems to improve performance and enhance efficiency and quality.
• Monitor manufacturing activities, performance and results of pilot and first production processing.
• Insure lab records/procedures are properly maintained and followed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

• BS Degree in Science.
• A minimum of 15 years industry or related experience
• Solid knowledge of Cosmetic and Toiletry product development.
• Ability to think strategically and impact the strategic direction of the company, in particular in organic growth via innovation.

PHYSCIAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to handle and feel objects or controls; reach with hand and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Specific vision requirements for the use of computer and related laboratory instruments include close vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception and the ability to focus. Employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or manually move up to 25 lbs. The noise level associated with this position is classified as minimal.
KDC-ONE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. I understand that employment with KDC-ONE Company is at-will, meaning that I or KDC-ONE Company may terminate my employment at any time, or for any reason consistent with applicable state or federal law. I understand that KDC-One requires the successful completion of a drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment.