Manager, R&D Gummy Formulator

NO EXTERNAL RECRUITERS PLEASE

The Manager, R&D will lead gummy formulation and lab technician teams to deliver high-quality products on time, which will lead to successful large-scale manufacturing. Leveraging and collaborating with external partners, the successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new technologies to improve existing formulations and incorporate into novel innovation. This role will oversee RFQs, internal formulations, bench top and pilot deliverables for new product development.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead R&D Projects: Manage new and existing projects, assign formulation requests, and oversee product development from benchtop to commercialization.
• Team Management: Supervise employees to meet deadlines, provide support, and foster a culture of innovation, learning, and constructive feedback.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Maintain internal communication and alignment with departments such as quality, procurement, sales, operations, and project management.
• Formulation & Documentation: Create formulations, calculate potencies, document raw materials, product specification and manufacturing direction, and manage costing.
• Production Oversight: Ensure smooth transitions from lab to pilot to full-scale production, working closely with operations and quality teams on the floor.
• Format Expertise: Develop supplement format with primary focus on gummy.
• Customer Engagement: Participate in customer visits and trials, and work directly with clients to develop customized formulations.
• Technical Leadership: Provide guidance and troubleshooting support post-launch, and evaluate technical feasibility of new products.
• Innovation & Strategy: Drive innovation programs, evaluate new ingredients and technologies, and align product opportunities with business priorities.
• Professional Standards: Demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and strong organizational, mathematical, and communication skills.
• Additional Duties: Accept other responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum 7 years prior experience with expert knowledge of dietary supplement formulation
• Starchless, pectin-based gummy experience a plus.
• Knowledge of cGMP regulations is a must.
• Must have demonstrably strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), including speaking clearly and persuasively in a positive or negative situations.
• Ability to handle multiple, rapidly changing and conflicting priorities.
• Must be results-driven and oriented toward accomplishment of team and organizational goals.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and technology used to accomplish product performance results.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Understanding of formulation cost and pricing analysis.
• Experience in Customer Relationship Management.

Education Requirements:

• BS or higher degree in preference in science field that relates to dietary supplement formulation.
• 7 years' experience working in product development/ manufacturing technology in the dietary supplement and nutraceuticals space. 2 years of gummy experience is highly preferred.

The Perks:

• No-cost vision insurance (yes, you read that right!), employer-paid life insurance, paid company holidays, generous paid time off, sick leave, employee assistance program, and a comprehensive wellness program.
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans are tailored for you and your dependents.
• Exceptional supplemental benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan and more!

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $125,000. - $160,000. The compensation offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and/or education.

MeriCal uses E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the following website: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees

MeriCal is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity.