R&D Manager

HiFyve•Eagan, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

A personal care contract manufacturer and formulation laboratory in Eagan, Minnesota, is hiring an R&D Manager to lead its research and development team. The role provides strategic leadership for innovation and oversees product and process development across skin care, SPF/suncare, body care, and hair care formulations. The manager initiates, plans, directs, and executes new product development, process improvement, and cost-saving initiatives while ensuring regulatory compliance. The position also develops team members and supports a collaborative, innovative culture serving clients and brands. The R&D Manager leads a multidisciplinary team, develops R&D strategy aligned with business goals and market trends, and manages multiple projects through timely delivery. The role leads technical investigations and development work, advises formulation chemists, evaluates ingredients and technologies, and serves as an organizational technical consultant on formulation and processing issues. It ensures products meet regulatory requirements for applicable domestic and international markets and supports documentation for registrations, claims substantiation, and certifications. The manager works cross-functionally with internal teams and clients, maintains project plans and documentation, communicates with stakeholders including senior leadership, and uses statistical analysis and structured problem-solving to guide decisions and improve efficiency. The work is performed onsite at an R&D laboratory and cGMP manufacturing site in Eagan, Minnesota.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science.
At least 10 years of product development experience, including at least 3 years in R&D management.
Demonstrated experience hiring, developing, and training high-performing teams.
Expertise in formulation and processing for skin care, SPF, body care, and hair care products.
Strong working knowledge of calculations, statistical analysis, and regulatory requirements for sunscreen performance, including SPF and UVA protection determination under FDA and ISO guidance.
Proficiency in statistical analysis, cosmetic chemistry, and resource management.
Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMPs.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, fostering innovation and excellence.
Develop and execute R&D strategy aligned with business goals and market trends.
Manage multiple projects and ensure timely delivery of high-quality formulations.
Mentor team members and support their capability and career development.
Lead technical investigation, planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting for new product and process development.
Initiate, investigate, and implement new formulations, process improvements, and cost-saving projects.
Assist formulation chemists on high-priority projects by advising and reviewing work.
Evaluate and recommend ingredients, processes, and technologies while staying current on industry advancements.
Ensure products meet regulatory requirements for domestic and international markets specified in project briefs.
Maintain knowledge of FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, and other applicable regulations.
Support documentation and compliance for product registrations, claims substantiation, and certifications.
Explore new ingredients, technologies, and formulation techniques to drive innovation.
Collaborate with internal teams and clients to achieve project goals.
Serve as the organization's technical consultant on formulation and processing issues.
Develop and maintain project plans, including critical paths and required resources.
Ensure accurate documentation of work activities, formulations, and testing results.
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership.
Use statistical analysis and structured problem-solving to guide decisions.
Stay current on industry trends through seminars, literature, and supplier networking.
Identify and implement process improvements that improve efficiency and innovation.