Research and Development Manager

Kalon Search; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kalon Executive Search is partnering with a rapidly growing dietary supplement company to identify a Research & Development Manager. This role supports development and launch of innovative products, portfolio maintenance, and reformulation initiatives across supplements and wellness lines.

Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, the person will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to advance the product roadmap from concept to commercialization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3–6 years of experience in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs in supplements/related industries.
• Strong technical research capabilities including ingredient evaluation and substantiation of scientific claims.
• Experience managing development timelines, vendor relationships, and multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support development of innovative products from concept through launch.
• Review clinical research and prepare substantiation summaries for product claims.
• Coordinate product-development projects and track timelines across teams and external partners.
• Evaluate ingredients and formulations for efficacy, quality, and budget alignment.
• Support reformulation initiatives to maintain differentiation and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with artwork development, labeling review, and route to regulatory needs.
• Provide scientific input for marketing materials and educational content.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, regulatory, operations, and external vendors.

Skills

Product development

R&D

Regulatory affairs

Project management

Ingredient evaluation

Literature review

Cross-functional collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Biochemistry / Chemical Engineering / Pharmaceutical Science

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.

Reporting to the VP of Research & Development, the R&D Manager will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to advance the company’s product roadmap from concept through commercialization. This is an ideal opportunity for a scientifically minded, highly organized professional who is energized by innovation, enjoys managing multiple priorities, and is interested in helping build differentiated products within a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

***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

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or another relevant scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3–6 years of experience in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the dietary supplement, functional food, wellness, skincare, or related consumer-products industry.
• 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.
• Must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States.

Compensation:$135,000 - $160,000 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.

www.KalonSearch.com