Senior Research & Development Manager (18-month Contract)

Job Description

Location : West Broadway, Vancouver BC, Canada

Core hours : Monday to Friday from 8am 4 : 30pm PST

We value collaboration, both in-person and remotely. This position is classified as Hybrid under our Hybrid Work Program Policy, where this position is required to be onsite 3 days per week.

Role Summary

As the Senior Research & Development Manager, you are responsible for leading product research and development initiatives that strengthen and enrich the Eminence brand and grow our Customers’ businesses.

This includes leading a technical team responsible for formulation, quality, and regulatory, and managing relationships with third party vendors, to deliver on Eminence’s commitment to innovative, high quality, and results-oriented organic skin care.

You will report to the Director of Product Development and work closely with the Product Formulation Manager, Quality Manager, and Regulatory Manager, and the full Product Development Team, as well cross-functional teams, to define, develop and deliver products and strategy for launch and non-launch projects.

Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

• Develop long-term technical product and technology roadmap to drive company growth. Identify opportunity area white space and technologies that should be utilized in new product development
• Oversee product briefing process and help to ensure intentional development consistency with specifications from development through production, including product cost of goods
• Work with Product Formulation Manager to identify vendors for new product launches, and ensure that products meet specifications and expectations from development through commercialization
• Work with Product Development Manager to contribute to product concepting and positioning
• Oversee clinical and consumer perception claims testing to support new product launches and current products in the portfolio
• Oversee product formulation testing including stability, preservative efficacy, microbiology, safety substantiation and user testing
• Oversee the escalation for product quality issues; work with Supply Chain and Order Services to support identification and problem solve product quality issues as needed
• Ensure all products are developed to comply with regulations in markets Eminence distributes to, and are registered with the necessary regulatory bodies (example : FDA and Health Canada)
• Oversee product registration and documentation including safety substantiation, SDSs, allergen lists and CIR reports
• Oversee product reformulations with raw material changes to ensure products continue to deliver on promised benefits and user experience
• Review and optimize formulation guidelines; recommend updates to those parameters based on brand positioning, Spa Partner and professional insights, technical information, and the marketplace
• Partner with the Customer Education Team and support the Product Formulation Manager to deliver detailed technical product information for the creation of education materials.

Information should be thorough and be shared in a way that meets the needs of the different audiences

• Collaborate on processes and timing with Project Manager(s) to drive efficiency and effectiveness
• Prioritize and lead technical Product Development, Quality, & Regulatory projects and programs to meet established deadlines and goals
• Manage and foster relationships with formulation partners and manufacturers. Where needed, negotiate manufacturing or other agreements
• Provide regular status launch and project updates to the Director of Product Development
• Track quarterly and annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and bonus reporting for Team Members
• Supervise the workload of, and coach / train, direct reports, Team Members and contractors

Qualifications

• Experience in product development (concept through launch), ideally in Health, Beauty or Personal Care Industries (6+ years)
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Chemistry, personal care science or related discipline preferred
• Knowledge of skin care formulations, claims standards, and quality testing methodologies
• Project Management experience, including demonstrated ability to prioritize, scope and oversee projects from beginning to end
• Working knowledge of cosmetic and OTC drug regulations in the USA and Canada
• Experience working with cross-functional Team Members from Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing (2+ years)
• Team leadership and management experience (8+ years)
• Vendor management experience
• Self-starter with effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Highly proactive, forward-thinking, and innovative
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail essential
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to develop and maintain strong relationships
• Solid work ethic with desire to contribute to achieving team goals and company revenue targets
• Computer skills (especially MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, intermediate Excel)

Total Rewards

Competitive salary, quarterly and annual bonuses based on individual and company goals

employer-paid premiums for extended health, health spending account, wellness program, green transportation incentive, various paid time-off options available from your first day, and product discounts

Focus on professional development, 1 : 1 meetings with your leader, tuition assistance program and length of service rewards

The Application

Please submit a resume with a cover letter.

Closing date for applications : Wednesday, June 26th at 9pm PST.