Research And Development Manager

Kalon Executive Search for Nutraceuticals, CPG and Wellness; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Kalon Executive Search is partnering with a rapidly growing dietary supplement company to identify a Research & Development Manager who will support the development and launch of innovative products, as well as ongoing portfolio maintenance and reformulation initiatives, across a growing line of supplements and wellness offerings. Onsite, 5 days per week in Los Angeles, CA.

This role requires strong expertise in ingredient research, regulatory affairs, and project management to drive

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs in dietary supplements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline.
• Strong technical research capabilities including ingredient evaluation, literature review, and substantiation of claims.
• Experience managing product-development timelines, vendor relationships, and multiple projects.
• Familiarity with supplement formulation, ingredient sourcing, quality considerations, and regulatory labeling requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proactive, team-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for innovation and building products from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support development of innovative products from concept through launch, aligned with consumer health goals, brand standards, and product requirements.
• Conduct ingredient research and literature reviews to evaluate novel ingredients, delivery formats, and product concepts for feasibility.
• Monitor emerging trends across vitamins, minerals, botanicals and other ingredients to inform future product concepts and innovation priorities.
• Review clinical research and prepare substantiation summaries to support product claims.
• Coordinate product-development projects, tracking timelines, expediting next steps, and facilitating progress through launch.
• Manage communication and coordination with internal stakeholders, contract manufacturers, suppliers, and other external partners.
• Evaluate product samples and provide feedback to ensure formulations meet efficacy, quality, specification, and budget requirements.
• Support reformulation initiatives to maintain product differentiation, quality, and alignment with evolving customer and marketing expectations.
• Assist with artwork development, label review, proofing, and routing to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Provide scientific input for marketing campaigns, landing pages, educational materials, and other consumer-facing content.
• Partner closely with R&D, marketing, operations, regulatory, and external vendors to execute product-development initiatives.

Skills

Product development

R&D

Regulatory affairs

Ingredient evaluation

Literature review

Scientific substantiation

Vendor management

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Regulatory labeling compliance

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Adaptability

Innovation mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related scientific discipline

Job description

Kalon Executive Search is partnering with a rapidly growing dietary supplement company to identify a Research & Development Manager. This individual will support the development and launch of innovative products, as well as ongoing portfolio maintenance and reformulation initiatives, across a growing line of supplements and wellness offerings.

*** Onsite, 5 days per week in Los Angeles, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development of innovative, differentiated products from concept through launch, aligned with consumer health goals, brand standards, and product requirements.
• Conduct ingredient research and literature reviews to evaluate novel ingredients, delivery formats, and product concepts for feasibility.
• Monitor emerging trends across vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other relevant ingredients to inform future product concepts and innovation priorities.
• Review clinical research and prepare scientific substantiation summaries to support product claims.
• Coordinate product-development projects, tracking timelines, expediting next steps, and facilitating progress through launch.
• Manage communication and coordination with internal stakeholders, contract manufacturers, suppliers, and other external partners.
• Evaluate product samples and provide feedback to ensure formulations meet efficacy, quality, specification, and budget requirements.
• Support reformulation initiatives to maintain product differentiation, quality, and alignment with evolving customer and marketing expectations.
• Assist with artwork development, label review, proofing, and routing to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Provide scientific input for marketing campaigns, landing pages, educational materials, and other consumer-facing content.
• Partner closely with R&D, marketing, operations, regulatory, and external vendors to execute product-development initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the dietary supplement industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or another relevant scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong technical research capabilities, including ingredient evaluation, literature review, and scientific claim substantiation.
• Experience managing product-development timelines, vendor relationships, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with supplement formulation, ingredient sourcing, quality considerations, and regulatory or label-compliance requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to cross-functional audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for innovation and building products from the ground up.

Compensation: $130,000 - $155,000 base salary, plus full benefits

Kalon Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.