Associate Director, R&D

Clorox • Pleasanton, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, R&D Innovation for Clorox Professional is an innovation leader responsible for building and delivering a robust, multiyear innovation pipeline across the B2B portfolio. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of cleaning and disinfecting products, contributing to a safer, healthier world. This role sits at the intersection of consumer and customer obsession, technical excellence, and business impact, translating unmet needs into differentiated product, process, and business model innovations that drive growth. This leader plays a critical role in shaping and advancing cross-functional Business Innovation Solutions (BIS) initiatives, bringing R&D expertise and partnering across Sales, Marketing, Insights, Supply Chain, and external partners to identify, develop, and scale innovation opportunities. The role ensures strong integration of end user, customer, and marketplace insights into innovation strategy, while advancing technical capabilities and fostering a high-performing, inclusive R&D organization.

Requirements

• 12+ years of R&D experience in consumer products, with demonstrated impact in innovation and commercialization.
• Ideal candidate will have experience in Retail and Business to Business models
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, with a track record of developing high‑performing, engaged teams.
• Experience across Product, Process, and/or Packaging, with understanding of scale-up and manufacturing.
• Proven ability to build and manage technical innovation portfolios and influence cross‑functional leaders.
• Strong end user and consumer‑centric mindset and experience translating insights into differentiated solutions.
• Fluency in modernized discovery, digital, and AI‑enabled innovation tools.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect near‑term execution to long‑term growth platforms.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and influencing skills.
• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Science or Engineering required.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the Clorox Professional innovation pipeline, building a 2–5 year pipeline of customer- and end user-centric ideas with the right sufficiency, mix, and cadence to deliver growth objectives.
• Lead the technology choice and development for the future needs of the professional cleaning and healthcare businesses.
• Lead cross-functional Business Innovation Solutions (BIS) initiatives, partnering with Sales, Marketing, Insights, and Supply Chain to identify and develop new business opportunities and innovation platforms.
• Generate differentiated Innovation platforms, which translate end user, customer, and market insights into solutions spanning core, adjacencies, and breakthrough opportunities.
• Champion modernized discovery and innovation practices, including agile methodologies, design thinking, and digital/AI-enabled tools to accelerate learning and decision making.
• Guide end-to-end innovation execution from ideation through development, scale-up, and commercialization across product, process, and business solutions.
• Ensure strong technical rigor and quality excellence, including product performance, claims development, and validation against customer and regulatory requirements.
• Drive success with external partners, suppliers, and technology collaborators to expand capabilities and accelerate innovation outcomes.
• Partner closely with Sales leadership to align innovation with customer needs, channel dynamics, and commercial opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing R&D team of 5-7 including R&D technician, scientist and SMEs, building capabilities, strengthening succession, and fostering an inclusive and engaging culture.
• Foster an inclusive, high‑engagement culture with effective resource allocation and prioritization to balance innovation, core business support, and capability development.
• Connect Innovation agenda to broader BU strategy by integrating insights, innovation priorities, and business performance objectives into a multi-annual plan.

Benefits

• Robust health plans
• Market-leading 401(k) program with a company match
• Flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays depending on location)
• Inclusive fertility/adoption benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree