Director of Research & Development

Rocky Mountain Soap Co. has been a pioneer in natural formulations for over 24 years. A growth-focused company with 12 corporate retail stores in Western Canada, an award-winning culture and some of the best skiing, hiking and biking in the world on our doorstep. We are a brand-led natural cosmetics innovation company, focused primarily on soap, skin care and hair care — we combine cosmetics science and creativity to innovate everyday essentials that build high loyalty. Our scientists and quality team thrive on the challenge of formulating new products, packaging and experiences for consumers who want to adopt the latest in sustainability and natural.

The position

The Director of Research & Development is a senior management-level position, working with the senior leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver Rocky's strategic growth goals.

The Director of Research & Development leads the formulation and quality team and is responsible for delivering market-leading innovations in formulation and packaging within natural cosmetics and Natural Health Products (NHP). Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Research & Development is up to date on the latest natural ingredients, research and sustainable packaging while looking ahead 5-10 years on where the natural industry is heading. You direct a growing a team of formulation and quality chemists to experiment, formulate and test to ensure products and packaging are safe, effective and comply with regulatory requirements. You lead innovation through customer intimacy and are passionate about delighting customers.

What you'll be doing

• 3 year product roadmap and concepts co-created with the Senior Product Manager.
  
• Prototyping and Scale Up
  • Support the formulation and quality team in the Prototyping Phase as they design and test new products. Lead procedures that support scale from the lab to routine production. Set up your team with accountabilities and priorities to achieve launch milestones.
    
• Blue Sky and Ingredient Innovation
  • Continuous experimentation with products not part of the Product Roadmap in order to build a creative bank of ideas. Build relationships with suppliers, attend conferences and conduct scientific research to source new ingredients to create superior formulations and a differentiated brand experience.
    
• SRED Writing
  • Technical writing for annual innovation grants.
    
• Innovation Processes and Tools
  • Ensure innovation processes that drive creativity and productivity are working as intended. Documentation storage and systems are well set up and maintained for reference and accessibility.
    
• Leadership and Technical Advisor
  • Provide coaching and development opportunities for your team. Actively participate in Senior Leadership decisions, and partner to create a sense of unity and alignment around strategic priorities. Provide technical expertise and regulatory knowledgeto sales/marketing, customer inquiries, manufacturing and Quality Control as needed.
    
• Revenue and Profitability
  • Responsible for delivering annual new product revenue and margin targets and managing the team budget.

Does this sound like you?

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher.
• 15+ years experience in cosmetics innovation(skin care, hair care, soap). Strong preference for natural formulation experience.
• Strong technical and practical knowledge of raw materials, emulsions and surfactants.
• Experience in quality with knowledge of analytical instruments and test methods for conducting chemical and physical testing of cosmetic applications.
• Experience with Cosmetic and NHP regulations.
• Strong collaboration,creativity and leadership skills.
• A self- motivated individual, organized, detail oriented who can multi-task, and meet dynamic timelines.
• Have lead or been an integral part of a team that leads innovation.

What's in it for you?

• Significant product discounts and quarterly allowances
• Subsidized group medical and dental benefits for you and your family
• Share in Rocky’s success - The Great Game profit sharing program
• Generous paid annual vacation and personal days
• Healthy lifestyle support through an annual allowance
• Access to a dedicated Rocky coach to help you optimize your potential
• The opportunity to participate in Culture Club organized activities

Application

• We are accepting applications for the Principal Chemist position until a suitable candidate is found.
• Eligibility:Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Please indicate your current work authorization*

Are you willing to work from our Workshop in Canmore, Alberta 5 days per week?*

Do you have a minimum of 15+ years of experience in cosmetics innovation?*