Technical Director

Technical Director, Research & Development

The Technical Director of Research & Development will be responsible for product development, innovation, research, claims support, and will direct and develop inside / outside scientific resources.  This individual will work to identify and create new innovative naturally derived products, formulas, safer ingredients, and green chemistry technologies for Personal Care products to fulfill overall business objectives and strategies.  The Technical Director of Research & Development will direct efforts from conceptual stages through production to ensure products are safe, highly effective, stable, reproducible, marketable, claims supported and cost effective.

This role will be reporting direct to the VP R&D Personal care & Beauty

Responsibilities

• Focused efforts to support claims, regulatory, legal, and sustainability standards.
• Continued optimization of current product portfolio, as well as new products and categories.
• Oversee pre-clinical and/or clinical studies where appropriate, scientific research, collaborations, scientific affairs, and represent Melaleuca science and product technology to its suppliers, distributors and to the scientific community.
• Identify and invent new technologies, discovering and incorporating innovative, unique, effective, and ingredients based upon business objectives, with a focus on creating next generation Intellectual Property.
• Work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and mission-based environment with direct connection with Product Development, R&D, Process Development, Legal/Compliance, QA/QC, Sales, and Marketing teams to define and develop the innovations that build on Melaleuca's thought leadership and scientific excellence.
• Manage R&D teams daily to deliver on objectives and develop a strong culture.
• Develop and manage R&D strategies and objectives including development of new, innovative products.
• Help initiate and direct new product development projects through the Product Development process, and help improve the process, with major emphasis on the early stages of development: ideation, concept development, consumer validation, clinical research, claims; testing, writing & approval, compliance, and testing.
• Set direction and monitor performance and key milestones of the R&D program from conceptualization to market implementation to meet objectives, timelines, and budget requirements.
• Develop, implement, and review appropriate staffing and team structure.
• Build and lead organization that is capable of creatively executing the product pipeline in terms of product performance, product quality and product support (clinical, regulatory, education)
• Prepare, submit, and monitor the yearly R&D budget for capital equipment, claims substantiation and clinical testing.
• Managing chemists, research scientists, and technicians/lab associates as required to help develop internal growth and technical skills. 
• Ensure newly developed products and existing products are of highest performance and quality, in line with Melaleuca standards and mission and well accepted by the customer.
• Ensure early-on compliance for registration and listings with national and internationally regulatory bodies.
• Ensure contracts with external collaboration partners and suppliers meet commercial requirements and regulate the ownership and conditions of intellectual property, patents and confidentially.
• Claims development and substantiation contributes to and oversees the developments of technical marketing claims for relevant new products and ensures the provision of scientifically balanced substantiation based on credible published and internal research studies.  Including but not limited to writing claims substantiation reports or technical bridging documents.
• Develop and maintain network relationships with external scientists and R&D teams that include formulation science, academia, trade groups, and scientific associations.
• Technical and scientific support with Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and Education
• Foster the establishment of relationships with co-manufacturers and raw ingredient suppliers: solicit and evaluate new raw ingredients, network through trade shows, vendor visits & seminars to solicit innovative product ideas and new technologies.
• Identify needs for clinical and safety support and oversee the implementation of clinical and safety studies with a focus on new products under development.
• Contribute to the development of internal world-class scientific processes.
• Be a spokesperson and notable member of Melaleuca to support in internal and external presentations to further build on trust of all Melaleuca products to support consumer’s confidence and experience.

 Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Nutrition, Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the research and product development industry and a broad technical background
• Experience in the personal care and OTC drug products industries is desired.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation with proven record of success in industry as a leader in new product development pipeline and product innovation.
• Strong awareness of product sustainability issues, organic and natural ingredient philosophy issues
• Knowledge of cosmetic formulations, global cosmetic and therapeutic regulations, and marketing trends.
• Experienced in managing new product projects through product development process.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required to gather information regarding market and competitor trends, to assess materials and outside contract services, and to attend professional meetings.
• Be credible in scientific responses to the field and communicate the excitement of our product's science to any audience.
• Excellent people and communication skills: Must be able to work well within cross-functional product development teams.
• Proficient in the use of computer applications and skills.
• Extensively networked with scientific community, including membership in relevant professional societies.
• Extensively networked with raw material vendors, formulation and research houses, and other industry contacts.
• Awareness of U.S. and foreign market and regulatory requirements.
• Strong QA/QC awareness.
• Excellent managerial, relationship, and time management skill.
• Must work well under pressure and work well with others.
• Skilled in communicating persuasively both orally and in writing of technical data/science for non-technical individuals.