Bell International Laboratories
Director of Research and Innovation
Bell International Laboratories, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55121
Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Director of Research & Innovation is a hands-on leader responsible for managing the full life cycle of product development, from concept through commercialization, while embedding innovation into daily R&D operations. This role combines scientific and technical leadership with strategic innovation to drive new product launches, improve existing formulations, and create meaningful advancements across skincare, PTC, and personal care categories. In a dynamic contract manufacturing environment, the director will ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-centric development processes-while fostering a pipeline of breakthrough ideas that fuel long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Day-to-Day Product Development Leadership: Lead the development of new and reformulated products across skincare, OTC, and personal care categories, with emphasis on compliant and effective OTC products and mineral-based sunscreens. Own and be fully responsible for the end-to-end R&D execution of the product development process, overseeing and ensuring robust technical execution across formulation, scale-up, testing, and documentation. Translate client briefs into actionable development plans and deliverables, aligning with cost, timing, and performance expectations. Oversee formulation optimization, technical troubleshooting and investigations in lab and manufacturing, and stability across the product lifecycle. Streamline development timelines and improve success rates through process enhancements and cross-functional coordination. Lead review and documentation of specifications, testing protocols, and regulatory filings with precision and efficiency. Provide guidance to the R&D team, ensuring they understand the background and adhere to the timely execution of OOS, DEV, CC, and any other documents necessary for the smooth day-to-day operation.
Integrated Innovation Strategy: Embed innovation into everyday R&D activities by identifying ways to reimagine ingredients, delivery systems, and product formats during standard development cycles. Drive innovation in OTC and sunscreen formulation with a focus on mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) that deliver high SPF without white cast. Develop and implement a forward-thinking innovation pipeline that uncovers white space opportunities and aligns with evolving market needs. Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Regulatory, Operations) to co-develop compelling product concepts and client-facing innovation strategies. Track global trends, new materials, and emerging technologies, translating them into actionable product initiatives.
Team Development & Culture Building: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing R&D team skilled in both technical formulation and regulatory strategy. Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that encourages creative thinking, proactive problem solving and technical excellence. Support continuous learning in SPF formulation science, regulatory updates, and emerging ingredient technologies. Drive a mindset of continuous improvement in both team dynamics and technical execution.
Client-Facing Technical Expertise: Serve as a senior technical point of contact for clients, presenting project updates, and technical rationale with clarity and confidence. Interpret complex client briefs and regulatory expectations into clear, actionable development roadmaps. Work with clients to collaboratively create differentiated products that meet their brand positioning and business goals. Partner with Sales to co-create compelling, claim-driven innovation toolkits and concept presentations for customers. Guide the R&D team in delivering timely, high-quality, and innovative solutions in response to client needs.
Regulatory, Quality & Compliance Oversight: Ensure product development adheres to all applicable regulatory standards (FDA, EU, etc.) and documentation protocols. Review and approve technical files including PIFs, MSDS, claims substantiation, and ingredient compliance documentation. Collaborate with QA/RA teams to proactively address potential compliance or safety issues across all launches. Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.
Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities Proven track record of developing and launching successful cosmetic and personal care products. Deep understanding of global cosmetic regulations, raw material innovation, and formulation science. Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in customer-facing roles. Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a results-driven mindset. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Required Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in R&D and innovation within the beauty, personal care, or consumer health sectors. Minimum 5 years of experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. Deep knowledge of formulation development, raw materials, process scale-up, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated success in balancing technical development with the strategic introduction of innovation. Excellent interpersonal, project management, and communication skills.
Preferred Education and Experience Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) preferred. Contract manufacturing experience preferred.
Salary Description
$130k - $170k per year
Full-time
Description
The Director of Research & Innovation is a hands-on leader responsible for managing the full life cycle of product development, from concept through commercialization, while embedding innovation into daily R&D operations. This role combines scientific and technical leadership with strategic innovation to drive new product launches, improve existing formulations, and create meaningful advancements across skincare, PTC, and personal care categories. In a dynamic contract manufacturing environment, the director will ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-centric development processes-while fostering a pipeline of breakthrough ideas that fuel long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Day-to-Day Product Development Leadership: Lead the development of new and reformulated products across skincare, OTC, and personal care categories, with emphasis on compliant and effective OTC products and mineral-based sunscreens. Own and be fully responsible for the end-to-end R&D execution of the product development process, overseeing and ensuring robust technical execution across formulation, scale-up, testing, and documentation. Translate client briefs into actionable development plans and deliverables, aligning with cost, timing, and performance expectations. Oversee formulation optimization, technical troubleshooting and investigations in lab and manufacturing, and stability across the product lifecycle. Streamline development timelines and improve success rates through process enhancements and cross-functional coordination. Lead review and documentation of specifications, testing protocols, and regulatory filings with precision and efficiency. Provide guidance to the R&D team, ensuring they understand the background and adhere to the timely execution of OOS, DEV, CC, and any other documents necessary for the smooth day-to-day operation.
Integrated Innovation Strategy: Embed innovation into everyday R&D activities by identifying ways to reimagine ingredients, delivery systems, and product formats during standard development cycles. Drive innovation in OTC and sunscreen formulation with a focus on mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) that deliver high SPF without white cast. Develop and implement a forward-thinking innovation pipeline that uncovers white space opportunities and aligns with evolving market needs. Partner with cross-functional teams (Sales, Regulatory, Operations) to co-develop compelling product concepts and client-facing innovation strategies. Track global trends, new materials, and emerging technologies, translating them into actionable product initiatives.
Team Development & Culture Building: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing R&D team skilled in both technical formulation and regulatory strategy. Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that encourages creative thinking, proactive problem solving and technical excellence. Support continuous learning in SPF formulation science, regulatory updates, and emerging ingredient technologies. Drive a mindset of continuous improvement in both team dynamics and technical execution.
Client-Facing Technical Expertise: Serve as a senior technical point of contact for clients, presenting project updates, and technical rationale with clarity and confidence. Interpret complex client briefs and regulatory expectations into clear, actionable development roadmaps. Work with clients to collaboratively create differentiated products that meet their brand positioning and business goals. Partner with Sales to co-create compelling, claim-driven innovation toolkits and concept presentations for customers. Guide the R&D team in delivering timely, high-quality, and innovative solutions in response to client needs.
Regulatory, Quality & Compliance Oversight: Ensure product development adheres to all applicable regulatory standards (FDA, EU, etc.) and documentation protocols. Review and approve technical files including PIFs, MSDS, claims substantiation, and ingredient compliance documentation. Collaborate with QA/RA teams to proactively address potential compliance or safety issues across all launches. Other duties and projects as assigned by supervisor.
Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities Proven track record of developing and launching successful cosmetic and personal care products. Deep understanding of global cosmetic regulations, raw material innovation, and formulation science. Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and influence cross-functional teams. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in customer-facing roles. Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a results-driven mindset. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Required Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in R&D and innovation within the beauty, personal care, or consumer health sectors. Minimum 5 years of experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. Deep knowledge of formulation development, raw materials, process scale-up, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated success in balancing technical development with the strategic introduction of innovation. Excellent interpersonal, project management, and communication skills.
Preferred Education and Experience Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) preferred. Contract manufacturing experience preferred.
Salary Description
$130k - $170k per year