What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Director position at Melaleuca and Careers?
Company Profile
:Technical Director, Research & Development
For nearly 40 years, Melaleuca has been enhancing lives through innovative wellness and personal care products that are safer for homes, families, and the environment. As a Forbes “Best Employer” and USA Today “Top Workplace”, Melaleuca has grown to become a global leader in wellness with over 2 million customers worldwide — all while remaining debt-free, financially strong, and proudly never having a layoff in our history.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: To enhance the lives of those we touch by helping people reach their goals. Everything we do — from research and development to manufacturing and distribution — supports that purpose.
Overview
:Position Summary
The Technical Director, Research & Development will lead product innovation, formulation development, and scientific research to drive the next generation of naturally derived Personal Care products. This leader will shape the scientific strategy for Melaleuca’s Beauty and Personal Care categories, fostering innovation by using safer ingredients, and breakthrough formulations that uphold our standards of safety, performance, and sustainability.Reporting directly to the VP of R&D – Personal Care & Beauty, this position will play a pivotal role in advancing Melaleuca’s reputation for science-backed innovation, guiding a talented R&D team from concept to commercialization.
Responsibilities
:What You’ll Do
- Lead Product Innovation: Direct all phases of research and product development for new and existing Personal Care products — from ideation and formulation to claims validation and launch readiness.
- Advance Science & Safety: Oversee scientific research, clinical testing, and claims substantiation to ensure our products are safe, effective, stable, and compliant with global regulations.
- Build & Inspire Teams: Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary R&D team of scientists, chemists, and technicians, fostering a collaborative culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
- Shape the Future of Clean Beauty: Identify and integrate new green chemistry technologies, sustainable ingredients, and formulation breakthroughs that reinforce Melaleuca’s leadership in naturally derived personal care.
- Collaborate Across Functions: Partner closely with Product Development, Process Development, Regulatory, Quality, Legal, and Marketing teams to bring innovation to life.
- Champion Scientific Integrity: Serve as a key spokesperson for Melaleuca’s product science, representing the company in scientific forums, supplier collaborations, and industry partnerships.
- Drive Results: Deliver R&D strategies and programs that meet performance, cost, timing, and claims goals — ensuring our products live up to Melaleuca’s mission and customer expectations.
Qualifications
:What You Bring
- Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or a related scientific field.
- Experience: 10 years in R&D leadership within the Personal Care, Beauty, or OTC product industries.
- Innovation Record: Proven success leading product innovation pipelines and developing breakthrough consumer products.
- Scientific Expertise: Deep understanding of formulation science, ingredient functionality, clinical testing, and claims support.
- Leadership Strength: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Business Acumen: Strong grasp of regulatory, sustainability, and intellectual property principles in a global consumer products environment.
- Communication Skills: Able to translate complex science into compelling, credible stories for internal and external audiences.
- Ability to relocate to Idaho Falls Idaho and work onsite 5 days a week.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the USA
Why Melaleuca
:Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Award-Winning Culture: Recognized by Forbes and USA Today as one of America’s best employers.
- Unmatched Stability: Melaleuca has never had a layoff in nearly four decades — and remains proudly 100% debt-free.
- Mission-Driven Impact: Every innovation you lead enhances real lives — from the people who make our products to the customers who use them.
- End-to-End Innovation: Work with a vertically integrated company where ideas move from lab bench to market launch all under one roof.
- Beautiful Idaho Falls Campus: Enjoy a world-class R&D facility, collaborative teams, and the quality of life that comes with living in the heart of the Mountain West.