DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: Canmore, AB - Relocation support provided
INDUSTRY: Cosmetic
Permanent, full time position

COMPANY BACKGROUND:
Our client has been a pioneer in natural formulations for over 24 years. A growth-focused company with 12 corporate retail stores in Western Canada, an award-winning culture and some of the best skiing, hiking and biking in the world on our doorstep. They are a brand-led natural cosmetics innovation company, focused primarily on soap, skin care and hair care — they combine cosmetics science and creativity to innovate everyday essentials that build high loyalty. Their scientists and quality team thrive on the challenge of formulating new products, packaging and experiences for consumers who want to adopt the latest in sustainability and natural.

OVERVIEW:
The Director of Research & Development is a senior management-level position, working with the senior leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver Rocky’s strategic growth goals.

The Director of Research & Development leads the formulation and quality team and is responsible for delivering market-leading innovations in formulation and packaging within natural cosmetics and NHP. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Research & Development is up to date on the latest natural ingredients, research and sustainable packaging while looking ahead 5-10 years on where the natural industry is heading. You direct a growing team of formulation and quality chemists to experiment, formulate and test to ensure products and packaging are safe, effective and comply with regulatory requirements. You lead innovation through customer intimacy and are passionate about delighting consumers.

YOUR DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
STRATEGY
3 Year Product Roadmap and Concepts co-created with the Sr. Product Manager.

PROTOTYPING & SCALE UP
Support the formulation and quality team in the Prototyping Phase as they design and test new products. Lead procedures that support scale from the lab to routine production. Set up your team with accountabilities and priorities to achieve launch milestones.

BLUE SKY & INGREDIENT INNOVATION
Continuous experimentation with products not part of the Product Roadmap in order to build a creative bank of ideas. Build relationships with suppliers, attend conferences and conduct scientific research to source new ingredients to create superior formulations and a differentiated brand experience.

SRED WRITING
Technical writing for annual innovation grants.

INNOVATION PROCESSES & TOOLS
Ensure innovation processes that drive creativity and productivity are working as intended. Documentation storage and systems are well set up and maintained for reference and accessibility.

LEADERSHIP & TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Provide coaching and development opportunities for your team. Actively participate in Senior Leadership decisions, and partner to create a sense of unity and alignment around strategic priorities. Provide technical expertise and regulatory knowledge to sales/marketing, customer inquiries, manufacturing and QC as needed.

REVENUE & PROFITABILITY
Responsible for delivering annual new product revenue and margin targets and managing the team budget.

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING:
- Bachelor of Science degree or higher.
- 15+ years experience in cosmetics innovation (skin care, hair care, soap). Strong preference for natural formulation experience.
- Strong technical and practical knowledge of raw materials, emulsions and surfactants.
- Experience in quality with knowledge of analytical instruments and test methods for conducting chemical and physical testing of cosmetic applications.
- Experience with Cosmetic and NHP regulations.
- Strong collaboration, creativity and leadership skills.
- A self- motivated individual, organized, detail oriented who can multi-task, and meet dynamic timelines.
- Have lead or been an integral part of a team that leads innovation.

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