Senior R&D Manager — Dietary Supplements & Innovation

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 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