Research and Development Manager (Dietary Supplements) Manassas, VA

PRONTO Manufacturing & Fulfillment; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks of paid vacation

7 annual paid holidays

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) plan eligibility

Job summary

A dietary supplement manufacturer in Manassas, Virginia, is seeking an R&D Manager to lead product formulation and lifecycle management for a diverse portfolio. The role involves overseeing the transition from R&D to production and ensuring regulatory compliance with FDA standards. Candidates should have a B.S. in relevant fields, along with 3-5 years of R&D experience. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan. This is a full-time, on-site opportunity with a start date ASAP.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of direct R&D experience in the Dietary Supplement or Pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven leadership experience with a focus on project management.
• Expert knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 111 and SQF requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize a catalog of 60+ SKUs.
• Oversee the transition from R&D lab batches to full-scale production.
• Collaborate with Plant Manager and Supply Chain Specialist.

Skills

Formulating complex powder blends

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Technical documentation

Education

B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Science

Job description

We are seeking a high-caliber R&D Manager to lead the formulation and lifecycle management of our diverse product portfolio. With over 60 active SKUs spanning high-performance powders and encapsulated supplements, you will be the bridge between innovative "bench-top" concepts and scalable, profitable manufacturing.

You will be responsible for new formulas testing, optimizing existing formulas for cost and flowability, and ensuring 100% compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 111 and SQF Edition 9 standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Mastery: Manage and optimize a catalog of 60+ SKUs.
• Formulation & Innovation: Lead the "Bench-to-Bottle" process for new powders and capsules. Develop robust masking strategies for bitter botanicals and minerals.
• Scale-Up Leadership: Oversee the transition from R&D lab batches to full-scale production (Blending & Encapsulation). Troubleshoot floor issues such as clumping, capping, or flowability.
• Technical Documentation: Manage document changes and updates, including Master Manufacturing Records (MMR).
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate daily with the Plant Manager on production efficiency and the Supply Chain Specialist to qualify alternative raw material vendors, as well as existing remote R&D team.
• Fix any product related issues on the production floor (powder density, flowability, color, blending, etc.).
• Lead R&D team on site, manage all projects related to new or existing products.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Science (M.S. or Ph.D. strongly preferred).
• Experience: 3-5 years of direct R&D experience in the Dietary Supplement or Pharmaceutical industry. At least 2 years in a leadership or project management capacity.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience formulating complex powder blends and two-piece capsules.
• Deep understanding of excipient functionality (glidants, lubricants, fillers).
• Regulatory Fluency: Expert knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 111 and SQF requirements.

Working Hours & Benefits

• Full-time, on-site role.
• 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.
• 7 annual paid holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• 401(k) plan eligibility.

About The Company

We are a growing dietary supplement manufacturer specializing in high-quality powder formulations. Our focus is on combining science, manufacturing excellence, and great consumer experience — including taste. As we expand, we’re looking for driven, hands‑on experts who want to make a real impact and help shape the future of our product portfolio.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in building standout products in a fast-growing company. You’ll have real ownership, work on challenging formulations, and directly influence the quality and success of products in the market.

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Ability to work on-site in our Northern Virginia, Manassas facility to support the production floor.