FPC National
Director of R&D and Project Management Office
FPC National, White Plains, New York, United States
Director of R&D and Project Management Office
Base pay range
$150,000.00/yr - $200,000.00/yr
The Director of R&D and PMO will oversee research and development initiatives across multiple product lines, while also leading the Stage Gate process, project management systems, and data analytics that support innovation and execution. This role ensures projects align with business strategy, stay within scope and budget, and meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the full R&D lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality results.
Align innovation projects with corporate strategy and market needs.
Partner with cross-functional teams to define clear product briefs, claims, and testing strategies.
Portfolio and Project Management
Manage the R&D project portfolio, prioritizing initiatives based on business impact and resource availability.
Develop and maintain R&D roadmaps, KPIs, and governance frameworks.
Monitor project execution, budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure accountability and transparency.
Lead risk assessment, mitigation planning, and change management for active projects.
Leadership and Collaboration
Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of R&D scientists, project managers, and technical professionals.
Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to drive alignment and decision-making.
Communicate project updates, risks, and outcomes to executive leadership through reports and dashboards.
Foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Financial and Operational Oversight
Manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects and teams.
Uphold company policies and regulatory requirements in all R&D activities.
Strategic Partnership and Market Awareness
Partner closely with marketing, insights, and supply chain teams to translate consumer trends into product opportunities.
Stay informed on emerging technologies, formulations, and materials within the personal care and consumer goods sectors.
Qualifications and Experience
Technical Acumen:
Strong understanding of formulation, process development, and packaging, particularly when working with contract manufacturers or external partners.
Leadership:
Proven success building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
Strategic Thinking:
Ability to align R&D initiatives with business objectives and deliver measurable results.
Project Management Expertise:
Deep knowledge of portfolio management and methodologies (Agile, Stage Gate, Waterfall).
Communication and Influence:
Exceptional ability to engage and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Problem Solving:
Adept at navigating complexity and resolving conflicts.
Financial Acumen:
Skilled in budget management, cost control, and financial tracking.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline and 10+ years of R&D, project management, and leadership experience. Experience within
consumer products or personal care
categories strongly preferred.
Work Model:
Hybrid role; typically requires 3–4 days in-office per week.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management and Research
Industries Consumer Services
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The Director of R&D and PMO will oversee research and development initiatives across multiple product lines, while also leading the Stage Gate process, project management systems, and data analytics that support innovation and execution. This role ensures projects align with business strategy, stay within scope and budget, and meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the full R&D lifecycle from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality results.
Align innovation projects with corporate strategy and market needs.
Partner with cross-functional teams to define clear product briefs, claims, and testing strategies.
Portfolio and Project Management
Manage the R&D project portfolio, prioritizing initiatives based on business impact and resource availability.
Develop and maintain R&D roadmaps, KPIs, and governance frameworks.
Monitor project execution, budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure accountability and transparency.
Lead risk assessment, mitigation planning, and change management for active projects.
Leadership and Collaboration
Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of R&D scientists, project managers, and technical professionals.
Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to drive alignment and decision-making.
Communicate project updates, risks, and outcomes to executive leadership through reports and dashboards.
Foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Financial and Operational Oversight
Manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects and teams.
Uphold company policies and regulatory requirements in all R&D activities.
Strategic Partnership and Market Awareness
Partner closely with marketing, insights, and supply chain teams to translate consumer trends into product opportunities.
Stay informed on emerging technologies, formulations, and materials within the personal care and consumer goods sectors.
Qualifications and Experience
Technical Acumen:
Strong understanding of formulation, process development, and packaging, particularly when working with contract manufacturers or external partners.
Leadership:
Proven success building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
Strategic Thinking:
Ability to align R&D initiatives with business objectives and deliver measurable results.
Project Management Expertise:
Deep knowledge of portfolio management and methodologies (Agile, Stage Gate, Waterfall).
Communication and Influence:
Exceptional ability to engage and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Problem Solving:
Adept at navigating complexity and resolving conflicts.
Financial Acumen:
Skilled in budget management, cost control, and financial tracking.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline and 10+ years of R&D, project management, and leadership experience. Experience within
consumer products or personal care
categories strongly preferred.
Work Model:
Hybrid role; typically requires 3–4 days in-office per week.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management and Research
Industries Consumer Services
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