R&D Lab Manager

Bell International Laboratories; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

401(k)

PTO

Sick Leave

Parental Leave

Job summary

Bell International Laboratories, Incorporated in Eagan, MN seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead formulation science across skincare, SPF, body care and hair care, directing product and process development and cost-saving initiatives while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on mentoring a high-performing team, coordinating with internal teams and clients, driving innovation, and prioritizing projects with solid documentation and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science.
• Minimum 10 years of product development experience with at least 3 years in R&D management.
• Experience hiring, developing, and coaching high-performing teams.
• Extensive knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMPs, and regulatory compliance for cosmetics.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary R&D team and develop strategy.
• Oversee product and process development across skincare, SPF/suncare, body care, and hair care.
• Direct projects, ensure timely delivery and cost-saving initiatives.
• Mentor team members and foster innovation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients; act as technical consultant.
• Maintain regulatory compliance across domestic and international markets.
• Develop and maintain project plans; document formulations and testing results.
• Communicate with senior leadership.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Cosmetic chemistry

Sunscreen SPF/UVA calculations

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science

Master’s Degree or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving innovation and overseeing product and process development across skin care, SPF/suncare, body care, and hair care formulations. This role requires extensive expertise in formulation techniques, a deep understanding of industry regulations, and a proven ability to manage complex projects. The R&D Manager will play a pivotal role in initiating, planning, directing, and executing new product developments, process improvements, and cost‑saving initiatives, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. In addition to leading a high-performing team, this position emphasizes mentoring and developing team members to enhance their contributions to the organization, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture that meets the dynamic needs of clients and brands.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with business goals and market trends.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality formulations.
• Mentor team members to grow their capabilities and support their career development.
• Product and Process Development
• Lead technical aspects of product development through investigation, planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting on new product and process development projects.
• Independently initiate, investigate, and implement significant new formulations, process improvements, and cost‑saving projects.
• Assist formulation chemists on high-priority projects, advising and reviewing work as needed.
• Evaluate and recommend the application of new ingredients, processes, and technologies, staying abreast of industry advancements.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements for domestic and / or international markets specified in project briefs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations such as FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, and others.
• Support documentation and compliance for product registrations, claims substantiation, and certifications.
• Innovation and Collaboration
• Drive innovation by exploring new ingredients, technologies, and formulation techniques.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and clients to achieve project goals and exceed expectations.
• Act as a technical consultant for the organization on formulation and processing issues.
• Project Management
• Develop and maintain project plans, identifying critical paths and required resources.
• Ensure accurate documentation of work activities, formulations, and testing results.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Other Responsibilities
• Use statistical analysis and problem‑solving processes to drive decision-making.
• Stay updated on industry trends by attending seminars, reviewing literature, and networking with suppliers.
• Develop and pursue personal career and skill development goals, while supporting team members in achieving theirs.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in statistical analysis, cosmetic chemistry, and resource management.
• Strong working knowledge of the calculations, statistical analysis and regulatory requirements associated with sunscreen performance, including SPF determination and UVA protection determination (including both FDA and ISO guidance).
• Expertise in formulation and processing for skin care, SPF, body care, and hair care products.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMPs.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and influence at all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage deadlines effectively.

RequiredEducation and Experience

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science.
• Demonstrated track record of hiring, developing, and training high‑performing teams.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in product development, with at least 3 years of R&D management.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Additional Information

EEO Statement

Bell International Laboratories provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

$115k/yr – $140k/yr
Full Time Onsite
Monday-Friday
Eagan, MN

Health
Dental
Vision
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Critical Care Insurance
Accident Insurance
PTO
Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k)