Head of Research & Development

Our client, a rapidly growing leader in the consumer health and nutritional supplements industry, is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Research & Development to lead the organization's scientific strategy, product innovation pipeline, and commercialization efforts.

This executive will serve as the driving force behind the development of evidence-based nutritional products, translating scientific discovery into commercially successful solutions that resonate with consumers. The ideal candidate brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, innovation leadership, and commercial acumen, with the ability to partner closely with Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, and Executive Leadership to deliver breakthrough products that drive business growth.

*** This is a remote position

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company’s R&D and innovation strategy aligned with growth objectives and consumer trends.
• Identify and prioritize new product opportunities using scientific research, market intelligence, and AI-driven insights.
• Lead the innovation pipeline from concept through commercialization using a stage-gate development process.
• Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams to create scientifically credible, consumer-focused products and claims.
• Translate complex scientific findings into compelling product positioning, educational content, and launch support materials.
• Serve as a scientific representative with industry partners, media, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee formulation development, ingredient strategy, and product optimization across multiple health and wellness categories.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful product commercialization and scalability.
• Drive the adoption of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to enhance research, formulation, and innovation processes.
• Monitor emerging technologies, consumer trends, and scientific advancements to identify future growth opportunities.
• Lead clinical research, claims substantiation, and scientific validation initiatives supporting product efficacy.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and industry certifications.
• Partner with Regulatory and Quality teams on product registrations, audits, claims review, and technical documentation.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists and technical professionals.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and innovation investments to maximize business impact.
• Present innovation strategies, product pipelines, and key initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Nutritional Science, Food Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in R&D, product development, or innovation within dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, functional foods, consumer health products, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success launching commercially successful products from concept through market introduction.
• Deep understanding of dietary supplement ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, amino acids, and specialty bioactives.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. regulatory requirements, including DSHEA, FDA regulations, and cGMP standards, with exposure to international regulatory frameworks preferred.
• Proven experience collaborating with commercial and marketing teams on product strategy, positioning, claims, and consumer communications.
• Experience leveraging technology, data analytics, AI-enabled tools, or digital R&D platforms within the product development process.
• Background managing external manufacturing, laboratory, ingredient supplier, and quality partnerships.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead organizational change.

Preferred

• Experience supporting consumer-facing health and wellness brands across direct-to-consumer, retail, e-commerce, or practitioner channels.
• Hands-on experience utilizing AI or machine learning tools for scientific research, formulation development, competitive intelligence, or consumer insights.
• Scientific publications, patents, industry presentations, or recognized contributions to nutrition science and product innovation.
• Experience scaling innovation organizations within high-growth consumer products environments.

This is a highly visible executive leadership opportunity for a scientific innovator who is passionate about advancing consumer health through evidence-based products and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping innovation strategy, driving business growth, and building a world-class product development organization.

Compensation: $280,000 salary

If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.

Kalon Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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