ABOUT SPA DENT
Founded in 2009, Spa Dent is a certified woman-owned manufacturer of gels, liquids, pastes,
lotions, balms and medical devices. We specialize in high efficacy, natural Oral Care and Self
Tanning products. While oral care and tanning are our core competencies we also offer
additional Personal Care and Pet products including: Shampoos, Soaps, Lotions and Sanitizers.
Key to our success is our innovation, our highly rated GMP certified facility and our commitment to customer service and timelines.
We own innovative and natural brands distributed through professional dental, salon and
retail channels. We also private label for major Canadian and US drug and grocery chains
offering national brand better/equivalents with organic certification and
national brand equivalents with 3rd party lab supported “compare to” claims.
Our manufacturing facility is located in Cambridge, ON Canada. With in-house R & D,
regulatory and EDI fulfillment. Spa Dent has an agile and responsive team that can easily adapt
to meet our customers’ current and future needs!
DESCRIPTION
The R&D Manager is responsible for research, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into their company or organization and overseeing the development and successful launch of Natural Health Products, Cosmetic Products and Personal Care products for Spa Dent. Responsible for overseeing the entire development process of new products and programs within the company, from the initial planning phase to implementation or production. Responsible for keeping track of all the costs related to the creation of these new products and deciding what
ideas are worth pursuing. This position will work under the direction of the CEO to prioritize development projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop concepts, products, and solutions by coordinating with management team /company business units.
- Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured product based on initial customer meeting.
- Determine and execute improved technologies used by suppliers, competitors, and customers to improve product and processes.
- Support management to hire and develop R&D personnel.
- Establish project goals and priorities by collaborating with CEO.
- Transfer new technologies, products, and manufacturing process into and out of the company.
- Research, design and evaluate materials, assemblies, processes and equipment.
- Monitor team metrics and objectives ensuring meeting of goals.
- Document all phases of research and development as required by SOP.
- Manage customer relationships and perform RFP Review, Customer Visits, and Product Testing.
- Re-engineer and develop new formulations to develop high-quality products including toothpaste, whitening gel, mouthwash, natural health products etc. and to improve product performance, stability and cost effectiveness.
- Preparation and submission of laboratory batches and sales samples.
- Conduct sensory panels, interpret results and report to CEO.
- Document and keep records of test results, specifications, stability studies and procedures in a standard professional format as outlines in company SOP’s.
- Maintain R&D retention samples ensuring they are properly labelled and organized.
- Support Production manager during lab and pilot scale testing.
- Test incoming raw material and finished products.
- Perform or submit samples for quality control and stability testing.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and report all equipment failures and procedural difficulties to Quality and CEO.
- Review ingredients in formulas for raw material substitution and recommend appropriate match, testing secondary suppliers to replace existing/new raw materials.
- Assists Sales, Innovation and Marketing with new product presentations.
- Organize and file supplier documents (such as COAs, Spec sheets, MSDS sheets etc.).
- Communicate information regarding formulations, project status, customer feedback, and test results to all appropriate individuals respecting the confidential nature of the project in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with QA Manager and Purchaser Manager in vendor screening and management.
- Assist QA Manager and Regulatory Affairs Specialist in label review and complaint investigation process.
- Understand appropriate testing and standards requirements for different regulatory classes of products.
- Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Standards and follow Spa Dent policies and procedures.
- Required to perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Diploma or degree in chemistry/biochemistry or related sciences; 4 years’ degree from a recognized university or equivalent preferred.
- 5+ years experience in a related lab environment required.
- Ability to complete physical/chemical and sensory testing for cosmetic, NHP and OTC products.
- Excellent technical and practical knowledge of raw materials and chemicals including functions and application, and related technologies in the cosmetic/pharmaceutical field.
- Excellent technical and practical knowledge of HPLC, GC, FTIR, including operation, qualification, calibration and method development.
- Ability to strictly adhere to safety standards, housekeeping processes and Standard Operating Procedures
- Software application knowledge (e.g. database, word processor)
- Understanding of Health Canada, Natural Health Products, Cosmetics and FDA regulations and knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of applicable Pharmacopeia (USP, BP etc)
- Strong communication skills along with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers, and executives.
- Exceptional creativity and resourcefulness.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing, quality and product evaluation in the cosmetic/pharmaceutical industry.
- Organized and detail oriented.
- Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong written and oral communication.
- Highly motivated with a passion for product development
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
