Manager Research & Development (R&D)

System One; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

System One in Columbus, Indiana is seeking a Manager of Research & Development to lead product development initiatives, provide technical leadership, and support growth of the R&D function. This hands-on chemist role involves mentoring others and shepherding ideas from concept to commercialization.

The ideal candidate has a chemistry degree, 5+ years GMP experience in analytical, formulation, and process development for OTC products, plus 2+ years of leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or related field.
• 5+ years of GMP chemistry experience in analytical, process development, formulation for semi-solid and liquid OTC products (IR, organic carbon, pH, titration methods, densitometry).
• 2+ years of leadership/management experience.
• Experience with method development and validation, process development for manufacturing and development groups in a CDMO environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills; ability to interact with clients.
• Experience working for a contract manufacturer preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and formulation projects from concept through implementation.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a small team of R&D professionals.
• Design experiments, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations.
• Develop and improve formulations, products, and manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot technical and formulation challenges.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams.
• Prioritize projects and resources to support business objectives.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry

Tools

IR spectroscopy

Titration methods

Densitometry

pH measurement

Job description

Job Title: Manager, Research & Development
Location: Columbus, Indiana
Type: Direct Hire
Schedule: Monday - Friday Day Hours
Salary: $125,000-$135,000/year, plus bonus

Overview

System One is partnering with an innovative manufacturing organization to hire an experienced Manager of Research & Development (R&D) to lead product development initiatives, provide technical leadership, and support the continued growth of the Research & Development function. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on chemist who enjoys solving technical challenges, developing new products, mentoring others, and bringing ideas from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and formulation projects from concept through implementation
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a small team of R&D professionals
• Design experiments, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations
• Develop and improve formulations, products, and manufacturing processes
• Troubleshoot technical and formulation challenges
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams
• Prioritize projects and resources to support business objectives
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and customers
• Ensure compliance with laboratory, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field
• 5+ years of GMP chemistry experience in analytical, process development, formulation for semi solid and liquid OTC products (IR, organic carbon, pH, titration methods, densitometry, all based on liquid semisolids)
• 2+ years of leadership/management experience
• Experience with method development, method validation, process development for manufacturing and development groups in a CDMO environment
• Management experience manufacturing, industrial, product development, or research environments; Leadership, project lead, or supervisory experience; Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills
• Great communication skills will be communicating with clients
• Experience working for a contract manufacturer preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Product development and/or formulation experience
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (pharmaceutical, OTC, personal care, or similar)
• Working knowledge of quality and regulatory compliance requirements
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.