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Senior Director - R&D and Product Development

El Segundo, CA

The Senior Director of Research & Development and Product Development leads the strategy and execution of product innovation, formulation, packaging development, regulatory compliance, clinical testing, and efficacy/claims substantiation to support the company’s global product portfolio from concept through commercialization. This role manages the R&D team and drives cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, external vendors, and global partners to deliver innovative cosmetic and OTC products aligned with brand strategy, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Leadership & Department Oversight

  • Lead and manage the R&D and Product Development department, including formulation, packaging, regulatory, clinical studies, and claim substantiation functions.
  • Supervise and mentor direct reports across all sub-functions, ensuring alignment with company goals and development timelines.
  • Establish department priorities, project timelines, and resource allocation to support business needs.
  • Manage departmental budget, external vendor spend, and testing costs.
  • Partner with executive leadership to support long-term innovation strategy and product roadmap.
  • Represent R&D and Product Development in cross-functional, executive, and global meetings.

Product Development & Formulation

  • Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical products from concept through commercialization.
  • Ensure all formulations meet performance, stability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Direct formulation development, testing, and optimization, including stability, package compatibility, PET, and safety assessments.
  • Ensure completion of required testing, including drug stability, SPF, preservative efficacy, and other regulatory or performance validations.
  • Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting formulation, manufacturing, and quality issues.
  • Maintain awareness of new raw materials, technologies, and formulation approaches through regular engagement with raw material suppliers and industry partners.
  • Manage reformulation programs and formula updates
  • Oversee lab maintenance through equipment calibrations, waste disposal, supplies, safety programs, and training.

Commercialization & Scale-Up

  • Ensure successful transition from lab to manufacturing, including pilot batches, line trials, and first production.
  • Attend and oversee pilot runs, scale-up, and initial production to ensure product integrity and manufacturability.
  • Support Operations and Supply Chain with manufacturing challenges, raw material changes, and vendor issues.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and suppliers.
  • Evaluate and onboard new manufacturing partners for OEM, ODM, and contract development opportunities.\
  • Meet regularly with current and prospective manufacturing partners to support innovation, cost optimization, and production capabilities. 

Regulatory & Global Compliance

  • Ensure all products meet global regulatory requirements for all countries and channels of distribution.
  • Partner with Regulatory to confirm compliance for cosmetic, OTC, and nutraceutical with international markets. 
  • Ensure completion of safety assessments and required documentation prior to launch.
  • Oversee regulatory review of formulas, claims, artwork, and labeling.
  • Support international product registrations, including China and other regulated markets.
  • Lead technical support for global launches, including required testing, documentation, and compliance submissions. 

Clinical, Claims & Substantiation

  • Support the design and execution of clinical studies, instrumental testing, and consumer testing. 
  • Ensure claims are substantiated through appropriate testing and documentation.
  • Collaborate with product development and Marketing to develop accurate, compliant, consumer-facing language.
  • Provide technical interpretation of clinical results for internal, regulatory, and marketing use.
  • Support copy, claims, and artwork review to ensure scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance. 

Packaging Development & Sustainability

  • Partner with Packaging to develop primary, secondary, and tertiary components for new product innovation.
  • Support material selection, compatibility testing, and packaging performance validation.
  • Lead and support sustainability initiatives, including PPWR compliance and environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
  • Ensure packaging meets regulatory, quality, and manufacturing requirements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Marketing on product concepts, innovation pipeline, and launch calendar.
  • Collaborate with QA to resolve production issues and ensure quality consistency.
  • Support Operations and Supply Chain with sourcing, manufacturing, and cost optimization.
  • Work with Education, Professional, and Commercial teams to translate technical information into consumer-friendly language.
  • Maintain regular communication with global/central Unilever teams to align on innovation, development, and launch strategy. 

Vendor, Technology & Industry Engagement

  • Meet regularly with raw material suppliers to evaluate new technologies, ingredients, and formulation opportunities.
  • Maintain active awareness of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
  • Meet with current and prospective manufacturing partners to support innovation, capacity planning, OEM/ODM development, and cost optimization.
  • Identify and evaluate new vendors, labs, and development partners to support business growth. 

Global Launch Support (including China)

  • Support all technical aspects of international product launches, including China registration and testing requirements.
  • Coordinate required testing, documentation, and regulatory submissions for global markets.
  • Ensure claims, copy, and artwork meet regional requirements.
  • Support scale-up and manufacturing readiness for international production. 

Quality, Safety & Post-Market Support

  •  Support investigation of customer complaints and adverse events.
  • Provide technical expertise for product quality and safety reviews.
  • Ensure corrective actions and product improvements are implemented when needed.
  • Partner with QA and Regulatory to maintain product quality and compliance throughout the lifecycle. 

Job Requirements 

  • 15-20+ years of experience in cosmetic/OTC product development
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field required
  • Extensive experience in formulation, regulatory, clinical testing, and commercialization
  • Strong knowledge of global cosmetics, OTC, and nutraceutical regulations
  • Experience with international registrations, including China preferred
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing direct reports
  • Strong experience with scale-up, manufacturing, and contract vendors 
  • Experience managing budgets, testing programs, and external partners
  • Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills 

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • FSA/HSA
  • Life/Accident Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Resources
  • 401(k) Employer Match Program
  • Bonus Eligible 

This position is based in our El Segundo, CA headquarters, which is currently 40% hybrid onsite/remote work.

The expected base salary for this position is $2000,000 to $220,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors, including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget. This position is also eligible for participation in the company's discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results. In addition to base salary, Murad offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company match, paid family leave, education-related programs, paid holidays, discretionary vacation time, and more.

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