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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 processeswhile fostering a pipeline of breakthrough ideas that fuel long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• 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.

RequiredEducation and Experience

• Bachelors 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 (Masters or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Contract manufacturing experience preferred.

Additional Information

EEO Statement

Bell International Laboratories provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

$130k/yr $170k/yr
Full Time Onsite
Monday-Friday
Eagan, MN

Health
Dental
Vision
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
Critical Care Insurance
Accident Insurance
PTO
Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k)

Contact Bell International Laboratories Today

Whether its formulating from scratch or perfecting an existing formula, Bell International Laboratories has the scientific expertise and business infrastructure to support you in reaching your goals. Reach out to our expert team today by calling612-721-3976 today.