Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Simi Valley, CA

Your Role

Note: This role is for physical product development (dietary supplements/consumer goods manufacturing)-not a digital/software Product Manager position.

The Program Manager, R&D is responsible for driving the execution and coordination of product development across both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv's growth. You will keep each product moving on schedule from concept to launch, and be part of the creation of OP's rapidly growing product line and new offerings in women's health, wellness and more.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized project driver with strong communication skills, the ability to manage many moving pieces among competing priorities, and a comfort keeping projects moving in a fast-paced environment. The Program Manager, R&D will report to the VP of Research & Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to keep O Positiv's product roadmap moving. Where the R&D Managers drive the technical execution, this candidate will keep the project execution on track to bring each product to market on time.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Manage project coordination across the full development pipeline including tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product from concept through launch 
• Build and maintain development timelines with clear milestones, owners, dependencies, and critical-path items 
• Maintain a clear view of the pipeline capturing what's in flight, blocked, coming, or at risk 
• Run project check-ins with R&D stakeholders that drive progress and hold stakeholders accountable to deliverables 
• Coordinate sample logistics, trial batches, stability data, certificates of analysis, and specification sheets so materials and documentation move quickly between R&D, Quality, and vendors
• Track vendor lead times, flag delays early, lead external supplier meetings alongside R&D, and keep development materials moving.
• Partner closely with the R&D Manager throughout development, where they drive the technical decisions and you drive the plan, timeline, and coordination, acting as the execution liaison that keeps everyone aligned 
• Coordinate launch readiness across departments, including artwork proofing, documentation routing, and review
• Keep project trackers, formulation and specification documentation, and development records organized and current in project management tools, with clear status reporting

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; a background in a science, food science, or related field is a plus but not required
• 4-8+ years of project management experience, ideally within supplements, functional foods, beauty/skincare, or consumer health
• Demonstrated experience managing external vendors or contract manufacturers and juggling multiple concurrent projects
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Smartsheet, Asana) and Microsoft Office

• Interpersonal:
• Exceptional organization and prioritization; you keep many moving pieces on track without dropping details
• Strong communication skills: clear, proactive, and able to align different groups of people
• Thrives in fast-paced environments and stays calm when priorities compete
• A natural driver who pushes projects forward and holds others accountable with professionalism
• Adaptable, curious, and willing to learn new tools and processes
• Team-player, hard-working, and goal-oriented, with excitement for startups and building from the ground up

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Hours and Compensation

The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $135,000 - $155,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and local market rates. 

• Job Type: Full-time 
• Pay based on prior experience
• Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote)

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days
• Monthly Social Hours
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage
• 401K with matching
• $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits
• An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers