Global Head of R&D

Global Head of R&D – Murad

The Global Head of R&D is a strategic leadership position responsible for driving product innovation, formulation excellence, packaging development, regulatory compliance, clinical testing, and efficacy claims substantiation across Murad's global product portfolio. This role manages the R&D team and fosters cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, external vendors, and global partners to deliver innovative cosmetic and OTC products that align with brand strategy, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of skincare innovation while leading a talented team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You will play a critical role in translating market insights and consumer needs into breakthrough formulations and products that drive business growth and reinforce Murad's position as a leader in the beauty and wellness industry.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Lead and manage the R&D and Product Development department, overseeing formulation, packaging, regulatory, clinical studies, and claims substantiation functions
• Supervise and mentor direct reports across all sub-functions, ensuring strategic alignment with company goals and aggressive development timelines
• Establish department priorities, project timelines, and resource allocation to support evolving business needs and market opportunities
• Manage departmental budget, external vendor spend, and testing costs to optimize ROI and operational efficiency
• Partner with executive leadership to support long-term innovation strategy, competitive positioning, and product roadmap development
• Represent R&D and Product Development in cross-functional, executive, and global meetings, communicating technical insights to non-technical stakeholders
• Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement within the department

Product Development & Formulation

• Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical products from concept through full commercialization
• Ensure all formulations meet rigorous performance, stability, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Direct formulation development, testing, and optimization, including stability studies, package compatibility assessment, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) testing, and comprehensive safety assessments
• Ensure completion of all required testing protocols, including drug stability studies, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) validation, preservative efficacy testing, and other regulatory or performance validations
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting formulation challenges, manufacturing issues, and quality concerns
• Maintain awareness of emerging raw materials, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative formulation approaches through regular engagement with raw material suppliers and industry partners
• Manage reformulation programs and formula updates to enhance efficacy, performance, or manufacturing efficiency
• Oversee lab operations and maintenance, including equipment calibrations, waste disposal protocols, supply chain management, safety programs, and staff training

Commercialization & Scale-Up

• Ensure successful transition from laboratory development to large-scale manufacturing, including pilot batch runs, line trials, and initial production validation
• Attend and oversee pilot runs, scale-up operations, and initial production to ensure product integrity, consistency, and manufacturability at scale
• Support Operations and Supply Chain teams with manufacturing challenges, raw material substitutions, and vendor issue resolution
• Maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and key suppliers
• Evaluate and onboard new manufacturing partners for OEM, ODM, and contract development opportunities
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and product quality standards

Regulatory Compliance & Claims Substantiation

• Ensure all products comply with FDA regulations, FTC guidelines, and international regulatory requirements across target markets
• Lead claims substantiation efforts, coordinating clinical studies and scientific evidence to support marketing claims
• Maintain detailed documentation and regulatory files for product submissions and compliance audits
• Stay current with evolving regulatory landscape and implement proactive compliance measures

This is a full-time, leadership-level position ideal for an experienced R&D professional with a track record of bringing innovative beauty and personal care products to market. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive results in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

💰 Compensation not publicly listed. Market estimate for similar roles: from $80K to $130K USD annually, varying by experience, qualifications, and location.