Director, R&D

Position

Description:

Somafina Director of R&D

Reports to:

Senior Director of Business Development

Somafina is an industry leader in contract manufacturing of dietary supplements. Our commitment to innovation and excellence in R&D drives our aggressive growth strategy. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to manage unique and complex formulations while collaborating with dedicated experts who share a passion for quality and advancement. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest quality standards while fostering a collaborative and supportive company culture.

Overview:
The Senior Manager R&D leads a team of formulators and product development scientists, consisting of 9 total members (7 direct reports across two functional groups), and is responsible for driving the team's growth and performance.

• Team Management:
• Oversee a team of formulators and scientists, focusing on performance management, goal-setting, and regular follow-ups to enhance productivity.
• Reorganize both functional groups into a unified team, facilitating cross-training and motivating members through the transition.
• Technical Improvement:
• Enhance technical outcomes by reducing operational and quality issues in delivered formulas.
• Engage with operations to implement formulation changes that optimize production outcomes.
• Hands-On Leadership:
• Maintain a working manager role, taking on hands‑on responsibilities as needed.
• Change Management:
• Identify and drive necessary changes to support team and company growth, collaborating with executives and managers across departments.

• Industry
  
  Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years in the dietary supplements industry, specifically in formulating, quoting, and product development roles.
• Experience with tablets, capsules, and powders, including:
• Consulting with operations to enhance production via formulation adjustments.
• Writing and/or approving deviations to accommodate formulation changes.
• Note:
  
  Gummies experience is a plus but not essential.
• Documentation and Design:
• Proficient in writing documented procedures and conducting organoleptic product design and screening.
• Experience in quoting and cost development for formulas and finished products.
• Customer Interaction:
• Regular interaction with customers to support the sales team, acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to enhance customer projects and reinforce Somafina's reputation as industry experts.
• Team Development:
• Manage and train the team to improve quality and efficiency in benchtop work and quoting processes.
• Maintain updated project information in CRM systems, ensuring awareness of project status, risks, and needs.

• Ownership Mentality:
• Exhibit strong sense of ownership for all responsibilities, proactively assuming accountability for necessary changes and actions, even beyond job description.
• Best Practices Advocacy:
• Champion industry best practices, including cGMP compliance for the team.
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and company policies.