Head of Research And Development

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s R&D and innovation strategy aligned with growth objectives and consumer trends.
• Identify and prioritize new product opportunities using scientific research, market intelligence, and AI-driven insights.
• Lead the innovation pipeline from concept through commercialization using a stage-gate development process.
• Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams to create scientifically credible, consumer-focused products and claims.
• Translate complex scientific findings into compelling product positioning, educational content, and launch support materials.
• Serve as a scientific representative with industry partners, media, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee formulation development, ingredient strategy, and product optimization across multiple health and wellness categories.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful product commercialization and scalability.
• Drive the adoption of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance research, formulation, and innovation processes.
• Monitor emerging technologies, consumer trends, and scientific advancements to identify future growth opportunities.
• Lead clinical research, claims substantiation, and scientific validation initiatives supporting product efficacy.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and industry certifications.
• Partner with Regulatory and Quality teams on product registrations, audits, claims review, and technical documentation.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists and technical professionals.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and innovation investments to maximize business impact.
• Present innovation strategies, product pipelines, and key initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Nutritional Science, Food Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in R&D, product development, or innovation within dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, functional foods, consumer health products, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success launching commercially successful products from concept through market introduction.
• Deep understanding of dietary supplement ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, amino acids, and specialty bioactives.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. regulatory requirements, including DSHEA, FDA regulations, and cGMP standards, with exposure to international regulatory frameworks preferred.
• Proven experience collaborating with commercial and marketing teams on product strategy, positioning, claims, and consumer communications.
• Experience leveraging technology, data analytics, AI-enabled tools, or digital R&D platforms within the product development process.
• Background managing external manufacturing, laboratory, ingredient supplier, and quality partnerships.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead organizational change.
• Preferred: Experience supporting consumer-facing health and wellness brands across direct-to-consumer, retail, e-commerce, or practitioner channels.
• Hands-on experience utilizing AI or machine learning tools for scientific research, formulation development, competitive intelligence, or consumer insights.
• Scientific publications, patents, industry presentations, or recognized contributions to nutrition science and product innovation.
• Experience scaling innovation organizations within high-growth consumer products environments.