Director of Research Development at Adecco Permanent Recruitment

Research & Development Director The Research & Development Director leads all scientific, technical, and innovation activities for a clean, high-performance personal care and beauty contract manufacturer. This role defines formulation strategy, drives new product development, and ensures innovation is translated into scalable, commercially successful products.ResponsibilitiesInnovation & Product DevelopmentLead all formulation, research, and product development from concept to launch.Own the long-term innovation roadmap and technical strategy.Advance clean, sustainable, high-performance formulations.Strategic & Operational LeadershipOversee the full innovation lifecycle, including regulatory, pilot, and commercialization stages.Align innovation priorities with company goals, customer needs, and financial targets.Conduct technical due diligence on new technologies and ingredient platforms.Team LeadershipLead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team.Foster a culture of collaboration, scientific excellence, and accountability.Strengthen organizational capability through talent and resource planning.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Business Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory to deliver on-time, on-budget launches.Serve as the technical point of contact for customers.Coordinate the stage-gate process and ensure cross-functional alignment.Technical ExcellenceTranslate consumer insights into differentiated formulation strategies.Identify and integrate new raw materials and processing technologies.Maintain high standards for documentation, claims support, and regulatory compliance.Lead scale-up and ensure successful pilot-to-commercial transfer.Executive CommunicationRepresent R&D in executive meetings, customer presentations, and strategic partnerships.Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to leadership.QualificationsEducation:Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related field.Experience:10+ years R&D/product development leadership in personal care, beauty, or OTC.Proven record of successful product commercialization.Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.Competencies:Expertise in formulation science, ingredient functionality, and stability testing.Knowledge of FDA/EU/ISO regulations, sustainability principles, and IP strategy.Strong communicator and strategic thinker; inspirational team leader.Additional DetailsSupervises all chemists, scientists, technicians, and engineers.Standard office/lab setting; reasonable accommodations available.Full-time, Monday–Friday 8am–5pm.Travel up to 15%.Must be authorized to work in the U.S.