Manager, Research & Development - Sustainment

PDI•Woodcliff Lake, NJ

3d•$143,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PDI is seeking an R&D Manager to lead the Product Science & Technology team, championing the scientific excellence that keeps marketed products performing at their best throughout their lifecycle. This role leads a team of scientists and engineers responsible for analytical chemistry and product performance evaluation, ensuring sustained product quality, compliance, and performance. The position partners closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Operations to drive disciplined execution, timely issue resolution, continuous improvement — while developing talent and positioning the team as a trusted strategic partner to the business.

Requirements

BS in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.
8+ years of relevant experience in R&D, including demonstrated leadership of scientific teams in regulated environments.
Proven ability to manage complex programs and lead cross-functional collaboration.
Knowledge of regulatory standards applicable to disinfectant products (EPA, FDA).
Knowledge of GMP/GLP principles and regulated laboratory environments.

Nice To Haves

Experience in disinfectant, consumer, personal care, or related regulated product categories.
Familiarity with OTC product development and compliance processes.
Familiarity with stability study design (ICH guidelines), shelf-life protocols, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of open communication, scientific rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Set clear team and individual objectives and monitor performance to deliver high-impact analytical and product performance support for marketed products.
Drive performance management — reviews, coaching, and feedback — aligned with KPIs, organizational expectations, and applicable regulatory standards.
Build organizational capability through talent development, emerging-leader growth, and succession planning.
Advance initiatives that support PDI’s long-term business strategy, making sound trade-offs across technical priorities, commercial impact, and cost to maximize return on R&D investment.
Champion thoughtful, science-based approaches to complex product performance, quality, and lifecycle challenges.
Translate business needs into analytical and product performance strategies that support commercial, regulatory, and operational objectives.
Anticipate market, customer, and competitive dynamics affecting marketed products, and shape analytical and product performance priorities to protect and grow commercial value.
Provide strategic and operational oversight for analytical chemistry programs — method development, validation, optimization, and routine analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC).
Direct product efficacy and performance testing to keep label claims scientifically substantiated and results defensible.
Manage stability and shelf-life programs (real-time and accelerated) to support lifecycle management decisions.
Lead planning and execution of cross-functional initiatives supporting marketed products, issue resolution, and lifecycle management.
Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Operations to align execution and ensure timely support of business and regulatory needs.
Own the team’s budget and develop proactive resource plans that balance technical priorities, business demands, and cost-effectiveness.
Provide scientific and technical insight to high-level strategic discussions on sustainment and lifecycle initiatives.