Director of R&D

Company Overview

Our client is a growing nutraceutical contract manufacturer focused on delivering high-quality dietary supplements and health products for leading consumer brands. The company specializes in capsules, tablets, powders and liquid formulations produced in cGMP-certified facilities. Their mission is to help brands bring innovative, safe, and compliant products to market through advanced formulation, manufacturing expertise, and quality-driven operations.

Position Summary

The Director of Research & Development will lead product innovation, formulation development, and commercialization of dietary supplements and functional health products. This role will oversee the entire R&D lifecycle—from concept and ingredient selection through pilot batches, scale-up, and technology transfer to manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of innovative nutraceutical products including capsules, powders, tablets, and liquids

• Oversee formulation development, ingredient selection, and dosage form optimization

• Collaborate with operations, quality, regulatory, and sales teams to ensure successful product commercialization

• Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and market trends to drive innovation

• Ensure compliance with FDA dietary supplement regulations and cGMP standards

• Manage pilot batches, scale-up processes, and technical transfer to production

• Maintain documentation including master manufacturing records and formulation specs

• Support customers with technical expertise, formulation strategy, and product development timelines

• Lead and develop the R&D team including formulators, scientists, and technicians

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, or related field

• 8+ years of experience in nutraceutical or dietary supplement R&D

• Strong expertise in formulation and commercialization of dietary supplements

• Knowledge of FDA dietary supplement regulations and cGMP manufacturing

• Experience working within contract manufacturing environments preferred

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects

Preferred Experience

• Experience with contract manufacturing organizations (CMO/CDMO)

• Experience launching new supplement products for consumer brands

• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and product stability