Product Development Manager, Formulation - Private Label

CompanyL&R Distributors is seeking a Product Development Manager of Formulation to lead high-impact product development initiatives across various beauty categories.This is a hands-on technical role responsible for driving products from concept through commercialization, including formulation, testing, and manufacturing scale-up. The role offers a unique opportunity to work on both established, shelf-ready products and new product innovation for major retail channels.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in formulation development, contract manufacturing, and OTC products, along with a strong ability to lead cross-functional execution and deliver high-quality consumer products at scale. The Product Development Manager, Formulation team member reports to the Vice President of Product Development.Key Responsibilities Product Development & Scale-UpDrive formulation development to achieve targeted performance, sensory attributes, appearance, and claimsCoordinate validation, and commercialization readiness across product linesManage timelines, critical paths, and cost considerations for development and scale-upDrive lab, pilot, and full-scale production in partnership with contract manufacturersEnsure smooth transition into manufacturing with consistent quality and supply OTC, SPF & RegulatoryServe as day-to-day driver for OTC and SPF product development, under the guidance of the VP of Product DevelopmentPartner with Regulatory to support claims substantiation and ensure compliance with FDA and U.S. regulationsAlign formulations, testing protocols, and documentation with on-pack claimsCoordinate development testing, including stability, compatibility, and performance validationEnsure formulations are compatible with packaging and meet regulatory expectations prior to launch Cross-Functional Supplier ManagementAct as the primary day-to-day contact across a network of contract manufacturing partnersCoordinate formulation development, testing, scale-up, and technology transferCollaborate with Packaging teams to ensure formula–package compatibility and aligned timelinesPartner closely with Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to drive executionMaintain clear documentation and communicate development progress to stakeholders New Product InnovationDrive end-to-end development of new products for a range of retail channelsTranslate customer briefs into scalable, compliant, and cost-effective formulationsSupport innovation across mass retail, drug, grocery, specialty, and club channelsBalance innovation initiatives alongside ongoing product development prioritiesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field8+ years of product development experience in beauty, personal care, and/or OTC categoriesDemonstrated experience with OTC drug products and SPF formulationsStrong background working with contract manufacturersProven ability to manage complex development timelines, testing programs, and budgetsPreferred to have experience supporting major retail customersFamiliarity with shelf-ready packaging and retail quality expectationsStrong cross-functional collaboration with Packaging, Regulatory, and Quality teamsAbility to travel as needed to CM locations during production runs, located mostly in the Los Angeles areaWork Schedule:Hybrid Schedule - Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM with variation based on business demands (Mon & Fri remote, Tues - Thurs in-office)Pay range: $115,000 to $125,000The Company provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.Please review our applicant communication policies: L&R Texting Policy & TermsPowered by JazzHRxHozaNO4Ux