Director of Research Development jobs in United States
cer-icon
Apply on Employer Site
company-logo

Melaleuca: The Wellness Company · 4 days ago

Director of Research Development

Melaleuca: The Wellness Company is a global leader in wellness and personal care products. The Technical Director, Research & Development will lead product innovation and scientific research to drive the next generation of naturally derived personal care products, shaping the scientific strategy for Melaleuca’s Beauty and Personal Care categories.

Cosmetics

Responsibilities

Lead Product Innovation: Direct all phases of research and product development for new and existing Personal Care and beauty products — from ideation and formulation to claims validation and launch readiness
Advance Science & Safety: Oversee scientific research, clinical testing, and claims substantiation to ensure our products are safe, effective, stable, and compliant with global regulations
Build & Inspire Teams: Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary R&D team of scientists, chemists, and technicians, fostering a collaborative culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence
Shape the Future of Clean Beauty: Identify and integrate new green chemistry technologies, sustainable ingredients, and formulation breakthroughs that reinforce Melaleuca’s leadership in naturally derived personal care
Collaborate Across Functions: Partner closely with Product Development, Process Development, Regulatory, Quality, Legal, and Marketing teams to bring innovation to life
Champion Scientific Integrity: Serve as a key spokesperson for Melaleuca’s product science, representing the company in scientific forums, supplier collaborations, and industry partnerships
Drive Results: Deliver R&D strategies and programs that meet performance, cost, timing, and claims goals — ensuring our products live up to Melaleuca’s mission and customer expectations

Qualification

R&D leadershipFormulation scienceProduct innovationClinical testingSustainability principlesBusiness acumenCommunication skillsTeam management

Required

Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or a related scientific field
10+ years in R&D leadership within the Personal Care, Beauty, or OTC product industries
Proven success leading product innovation pipelines and developing breakthrough consumer products
Deep understanding of formulation science, ingredient functionality, clinical testing, and claims support
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
Strong grasp of regulatory, sustainability, and intellectual property principles in a global consumer products environment
Able to translate complex science into compelling, credible stories for internal and external audiences
Ability to relocate to Idaho Falls Idaho and work onsite 5 days a week
Must be legally authorized to work in the USA

Benefits

Award-Winning Culture: Recognized by •Forbes• and •USA Today• as one of America’s best employers.
Unmatched Stability: Melaleuca has never had a layoff in nearly four decades — and remains proudly 100% debt-free.
Mission-Driven Impact: Every innovation you lead enhances real lives — from the people who make our products to the customers who use them.
End-to-End Innovation: Work with a vertically integrated company where ideas move from lab bench to market launch all under one roof.
Beautiful Idaho Falls Campus: Enjoy a world-class R&D facility, collaborative teams, and the quality of life that comes with living in the heart of the Mountain West.

Company

Melaleuca: The Wellness Company

company-logo
Melaleuca: The Wellness Company enhances the lives of those we touch by helping people reach their goals.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

leader-logo
Ann Shavlan
Chief Executive Officer
linkedin
leader-logo
Frank VanderSloot
CEO
linkedin
Company data provided by crunchbase