Product Development and Research Director

Growve•Ogden, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Growve is a leading health and wellness company specializing in acquiring, operating, and growing world-class brands within the active nutrition, dietary supplement, and beauty verticals. Our portfolio includes 15 brands and thousands of unique products. As the Product Development & Research Director, you will oversee the activities of the research and development group, ensuring the R&D budget objectives are met, while maintaining a strong and competitive consumable innovation portfolio.

Requirements

Equipping and setting up and maintaining PD lab/area
Making benchtop version of current and new formulas
Transferring benchtops to pilot equipment and/or to production lines
Running and monitoring stability studies on formulas
Learning basic operation of pilot and production lines
Assisting production team during pilots and/or initial production runs
General knowledge of and experience in evaluating and selecting raw materials, particularly for dietary supplements
Capturing and communicating formulas on various spreadsheets
General knowledge of Supplement and Nutrition Fact panels
General knowledge of various certifications; organic, kosher, NGPV, cGMP
Traveling to other plants, RM suppliers, and some trade shows
Leadership and communication skills
Proven record of direct and indirect management of resources and teams
Demonstrated research record and experience in developing new consumables products
Good working knowledge of Dietary Supplement raw materials
Understanding of best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and customer centric approach to product development
Creative thinking and ability to drive performance and user experience requirements
Understanding of material manufacturing processes
Strong drive for excellence
Passion for personal and team development
Experience maintaining metrics and budgets
Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or relevant science field
Minimum 5 years of experience in gummy manufacturing and PD

Responsibilities

Aid in setting up and maintaining PD lab in new production facility
Develop working knowledge of Starchless Mogul, Mini Mogul, Cold Mould lines at new manufacturing facility
Work with Sr VP PD on transferring multiple current formula to new facility
Formulate gummy and cold mould products, make benchtop version, then transfer to pilot line.
Responsible for developing and monitoring research and development plans for the R&D group, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget
Leads development and research projects and maintain the Department R&D Budget
Support manufacturing and marketing groups to ensure high product quality and customer satisfaction
Promote a productive R&D culture that is motivated and accountable having a customer focus on innovation, quality, and improving the user experience
Represent R&D on the new product committee and the product development process - aiding to set project priorities and responsible for R&D resource allocation
Supervise R&D team, making sure reviews are completed and objectives are set.
Assist in the development of talent within the organization, and make recommendations for promotions
Collaborate internally with operations teams, marketing, and strategic planning to ensure joint research programs are progressing in accordance with strategic plans
Develop talent within the organization and implement best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and product support