Product Development and Research Manager

Company Overview 

Growve is a leading health and wellness company specializing in acquiring, operating, and growing world-class brands within the active nutrition, dietary supplement, and beauty verticals. Our portfolio includes 15 brands and thousands of unique products. 

Position Title: Product Development & Research Manager 

Job Overview: 

As the Product Development & Research Manager, you will oversee the activities of the research and development group, ensuring the R&D budget objectives are met, while maintaining a strong and competitive consumable innovation portfolio. 

Objectives & Responsibilities:

• Aid in setting up and maintaining PD lab in new production facility 

• Develop working knowledge of Starchless Mogul, Mini Mogul, Cold Mould lines at new manufacturing facility 

• Work with Sr VP PD on transferring multiple current formula to new facility 

• Formulate gummy and cold mould products, make benchtop version, then transfer to pilot line. 

• Responsible for developing and monitoring research and development plans for the R&D group, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget 

• Leads development and research projects and maintain the Department R&D Budget 

• Support manufacturing and marketing groups to ensure high product quality and customer satisfaction 

• Promote a productive R&D culture that is motivated and accountable having a customer focus on innovation, quality, and improving the user experience 

• Represent R&D on the new product committee and the product development process - aiding to set project priorities and responsible for R&D resource allocation 

• Supervise R&D team, making sure reviews are completed and objectives are set.  Assist in the development of talent within the organization, and make recommendations for promotions 

• Collaborate internally with operations teams, marketing, and strategic planning to ensure joint research programs are progressing in accordance with strategic plans 

• Develop talent within the organization and implement best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and product support 

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Equipping and setting up and maintaining PD lab/area 

• Making benchtop version of current and new formulas 

• Transferring benchtops to pilot equipment and/or to production lines 

• Running and monitoring stability studies on formulas 

• Learning basic operation of pilot and production lines 

• Assisting production team during pilots and/or initial production runs 

• General knowledge of and experience in evaluating and selecting raw materials, particularly for dietary supplements 

• Capturing and communicating formulas on various spreadsheets  

• General knowledge of Supplement and Nutrition Fact panels 

• General knowledge of various certifications; organic, kosher, NGPV, cGMP 

• Traveling to other plants, RM suppliers, and some trade shows 

• Leadership and communication skills 

• Proven record of direct and indirect management of resources and teams 

• Demonstrated research record and experience in developing new consumables products 

• Good working knowledge of Dietary Supplement raw materials 

• Understanding of best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and customer centric approach to product development 

• Creative thinking and ability to drive performance and user experience requirements 

• Understanding of material manufacturing processes 

• Strong drive for excellence 

• Passion for personal and team development 

• Experience maintaining metrics and budgets 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or relevant science field  

• Minimum 5 years of experience in gummy manufacturing and PD 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods standing at lab table, walking production facility, and working on a computer 

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times 

Additional Details & Benefits 

• Full Time with Competitive Pay  

• Health Benefits Package 

• DTO 

• 401K 

• Casual company environment, with a work hard/play hard culture   

• Corporate offices located in Saint Petersburg, FL and Salt Lake City, UT. 

Notice to Recruiters — We do not work with outside recruiting agencies. Please do not solicit.  This description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.  

The position, duties, and qualifications are subject to change at any time.