VP of Research and Development

Kalon Executive Search•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Our client, a leading global functional ingredient company, is seeking a VP of Research and Development that will direct the development of new ingredients, products and processes by collaborating with sales, operations, and conferring with customers, leading direct reports, and providing support for process changes and corrective action. Essential Duties: Direct the internal development of new business by defining customer expectations, investigating material, and processing options, selecting internal or external equipment, planning, and execution of all product development projects. Emphasis on quality products, process routings. specifications, product/process compatibility, meeting customer expectations, and due dates. Clarify and negotiate customer requirements, quote new business, establish Statement of Work. Consults with senior management team members, especially CSO, Sales, and Customer as necessary. Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Sales, and other relevant departments to ensure smooth and seamless product development with on-time, on budget, product launches. Responsible for product development and project management team members. Develops and assigns project timelines and budgets, including routine updates to clients and internal personnel. Ensure that assigned products/projects are developed in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and within guidelines established by the customer. Oversee internal and external activities related to new product development and continuous improvement of existing products. Attends nutritional conferences, product development seminars and other continuing educational events related to the dietary supplement industry. Visits customers, suppliers and other industry related service providers that enhance the company’s ability to increase satisfaction, service, or performance to our clients. Focusing on providing “next level”, world class customer experience. Assure direct reports receive proper training and attend continuous improvement and personal development education seminars/classes.

Requirements

PhD in Biology or Neuroscience, such as Molecular Biology, Nutritional Science, Biochemistry and Nutrition, or Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition, from a highly esteemed and top-ranked university, is required.
10+ years of R & D and project management experience, experience with product development related to dietary ingredients and supplements required.
Proven experience in writing and developing comprehensive white papers.
The ideal candidate will have undergone extensive training and specialized in the field of Neurological health.
The candidate should have considerable experience working within the Nutrition industry.
Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to contribute solutions on multiple ongoing projects.
Willing to accept or create new ideas and focused on improving products.
Ability to interact effectively with all departments, company, or customer associates in a team-oriented manner.
Ability to be creative, proactive and an innovative thinker.
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Function efficiently in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Maintain excellent communication and relationships with others; be a team player; maintain a positive attitude.
Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Chinese language fluency a plus.

Responsibilities

Direct the internal development of new business by defining customer expectations, investigating material, and processing options, selecting internal or external equipment, planning, and execution of all product development projects.
Clarify and negotiate customer requirements, quote new business, establish Statement of Work.
Consults with senior management team members, especially CSO, Sales, and Customer as necessary.
Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Sales, and other relevant departments to ensure smooth and seamless product development with on-time, on budget, product launches.
Responsible for product development and project management team members.
Develops and assigns project timelines and budgets, including routine updates to clients and internal personnel.
Ensure that assigned products/projects are developed in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and within guidelines established by the customer.
Oversee internal and external activities related to new product development and continuous improvement of existing products.
Attends nutritional conferences, product development seminars and other continuing educational events related to the dietary supplement industry.
Visits customers, suppliers and other industry related service providers that enhance the company’s ability to increase satisfaction, service, or performance to our clients.
Assure direct reports receive proper training and attend continuous improvement and personal development education seminars/classes.