Senior Manager R&D Lead

Nestlé Health Science; Bridgewater Township (NJ); On-site; USD 184,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Nestlé Health Science, Bridgewater, NJ, seeks a Senior Manager R&D Lead to drive innovation for a strategic VMS brand. You will partner with business teams to identify priorities, leverage emerging science and clinical insights, and deliver consumer-focused innovations that sustain long-term brand success.

In-office presence weekly. The role requires a Master's with 10+ years in R&D leadership, strong cross-functional collaboration, and impactful communication across global stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline required, Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of R&D experience with a track record of leading innovation and managing technical knowledge within operational environments.
• Proven leadership skills in working with global business and markets’ stakeholders to influence strategic business objectives through R&D innovation.
• Deep understanding of the VMS industry, competitive landscape, and evolving consumer insights.
• Growth‑oriented mindset with enthusiasm for leveraging digital tools and technologies.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to navigate cross‑functional and matrixed environments.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence diverse audiences.
• Demonstrates strong integrity, accountability, and professional ethics.

Responsibilities

• R&D representative for the corresponding VMS brand, aligning business needs with R&D opportunities.
• Co‑leads the definition of the Innovation & Renovation (I&R) pipeline for the corresponding VMS brand, developing short, mid and long‑term plans to support future innovation with new concepts and technologies.
• Provides technical expertise on future product development, including new ingredients, products, and processes, and translates science and technology solutions into commercially viable pipeline opportunities.
• Oversees the strategic VMS project portfolio and partners cross‑functionally with Product Development and Project Management teams to ensure innovation launches are delivered on time and within budget.
• Builds and manages strategic partnerships across the Nestlé R&D network, suppliers, and key external stakeholders to advance brand innovation.
• Strengthens organizational capabilities aligned with R&D and business priorities, while developing talent, succession pipelines, and knowledge transfer plans to ensure long‑term team effectiveness.
• Creates synergies through effective networking with all relevant R&D Units, business partners, markets, and external partners.
• Comply with Nestlé Integrated Management Systems and all company policies and procedures.

Skills

Scientific communication

Talent development

Innovation culture

Entrepreneurial mindset

Cross-functional

Regulatory affairs

External partnerships

Education

Master's degree in Nutrition/Food Science/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager R&D Lead drives innovation for a strategic Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) brand, driving growth, product differentiation, and competitive advantage. This role partners closely with the business to identify and execute R&D priorities, leveraging emerging science, technology, and clinical insights to deliver consumer-focused innovation and support long‑term brand success. This position is based in Bridgewater, NJ and requires in office presence weekly.

Responsibilities

• R&D representative for the corresponding VMS brand, aligning business needs with R&D opportunities
• Co‑leads the definition of the Innovation & Renovation (I&R) pipeline for the corresponding VMS brand, developing short, mid and long‑term plans to support future innovation with new concepts and technologies
• Provides technical expertise on future product development, including new ingredients, products, and processes, and translates science and technology solutions into commercially viable pipeline opportunities
• Oversees the strategic VMS project portfolio and partners cross‑functionally with Product Development and Project Management teams to ensure innovation launches are delivered on time and within budget
• Builds and manages strategic partnerships across the Nestlé R&D network, suppliers, and key external stakeholders to advance brand innovation
• Strengthens organizational capabilities aligned with R&D and business priorities, while developing talent, succession pipelines, and knowledge transfer plans to ensure long‑term team effectiveness
• Creates synergies through effective networking with all relevant R&D Units, business partners, markets, and external partners
• Comply with Nestlé Integrated Management Systems and all company policies and procedures

Requirements

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline required, Ph.D. preferred
• 10+ years of R&D experience with a track record of leading innovation and managing technical knowledge within operational environments
• Proven leadership skills in working with global business and markets’ stakeholders to influence strategic business objectives through R&D innovation
• Deep understanding of the VMS industry, competitive landscape, and evolving consumer insights
• Growth‑oriented mindset with enthusiasm for leveraging digital tools and technologies
• Collaborative team player with the ability to navigate cross‑functional and matrixed environments
• Effective communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence diverse audiences
• Demonstrates strong integrity, accountability, and professional ethics

Skills

• Communicates complex scientific concepts clearly to drive informed decision‑making
• Passionate about developing talent, advancing consumer‑centric innovation, and creating positive community impact
• Promotes a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing
• Demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset with sound judgment and thoughtful risk management
• Builds cross‑functional partnerships to accelerate collaboration and business performance
• Navigates diverse cultural, regulatory, and compliance environments with agility
• Cultivates strategic external relationships to advance innovation and business objectives

Salary: $183,574.00 to $228,278.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility: Yes

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance‑based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

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Job Requisition: 424395

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