Manager, Research & Development - Sustainment

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! 

POSITION PURPOSE 

PDI is seeking an R&D Manager to lead the Product Science & Technology team, championing the scientific excellence that keeps marketed products performing at their best throughout their lifecycle.

This role leads a team of scientists and engineers responsible for analytical chemistry and product performance evaluation, ensuring sustained product quality, compliance, and performance. The position partners closely with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Operations to drive disciplined execution, timely issue resolution, continuous improvement — while developing talent and positioning the team as a trusted strategic partner to the business.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• Lead a high-performing scientific team and shape technical excellence across PDI’s R&D organization.
• Highly visible role partnering across Science, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations.
• Direct influence over the quality, compliance, and lifecycle performance of marketed products.
• Develop talent and build organizational capability in a collaborative laboratory and office environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop a team of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of open communication, scientific rigor, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear team and individual objectives and monitor performance to deliver high-impact analytical and product performance support for marketed products.
• Drive performance management — reviews, coaching, and feedback — aligned with KPIs, organizational expectations, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Build organizational capability through talent development, emerging-leader growth, and succession planning.
• Advance initiatives that support PDI’s long-term business strategy, making sound trade-offs across technical priorities, commercial impact, and cost to maximize return on R&D investment.
• Champion thoughtful, science-based approaches to complex product performance, quality, and lifecycle challenges.
• Translate business needs into analytical and product performance strategies that support commercial, regulatory, and operational objectives.
• Anticipate market, customer, and competitive dynamics affecting marketed products, and shape analytical and product performance priorities to protect and grow commercial value.
• Provide strategic and operational oversight for analytical chemistry programs — method development, validation, optimization, and routine analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC).
• Direct product efficacy and performance testing to keep label claims scientifically substantiated and results defensible.
• Manage stability and shelf-life programs (real-time and accelerated) to support lifecycle management decisions.
• Lead planning and execution of cross-functional initiatives supporting marketed products, issue resolution, and lifecycle management.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Operations to align execution and ensure timely support of business and regulatory needs.
• Own the team’s budget and develop proactive resource plans that balance technical priorities, business demands, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide scientific and technical insight to high-level strategic discussions on sustainment and lifecycle initiatives.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Reliable delivery of scientifically sound, defensible analytical and performance testing that sustains product quality, compliance, and performance across the product lifecycle.
• Stronger team capability, with members growing professionally and prepared for expanded responsibilities and future leadership.
• Effective partnership with senior leadership and cross-functional teams that drives decisions and supports regulatory and operational needs.
• Timely issue resolution and dependable support for marketed products.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• BS in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of relevant experience in R&D, including demonstrated leadership of scientific teams in regulated environments.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs and lead cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards applicable to disinfectant products (EPA, FDA).
• Knowledge of GMP/GLP principles and regulated laboratory environments.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience in disinfectant, consumer, personal care, or related regulated product categories.
• Familiarity with OTC product development and compliance processes.
• Familiarity with stability study design (ICH guidelines), shelf-life protocols, and data analysis.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proven leadership of high-performing scientific teams in regulated industries.
• Ability to set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for high-quality, audit-ready results.
• Strong commitment to data integrity, method validation, and sound scientific principles.
• Business and financial acumen — able to weigh cost, risk, and commercial impact when prioritizing programs and to align analytical and product performance work with business and operational objectives.
• Excellent communication and influence with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Passion for continuous improvement, learning, and talent development

SALARY RANGE

• $143,000 - $165,000 Annually

BENEFITS 

PDI is pleased to offer comprehensive and affordable benefits for our associates, which includes:

• Medical, behavioral & prescription drug coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) savings plan with company match and profit sharing
• Basic and supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short & long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Advocacy Program

PDI also offers many voluntary benefits such as: Legal services, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, ID theft and fraud protection, pet insurance and employee discounts. 

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide associates with paid time off programs including:  sick & safe leave, vacation, company & floating holidays, paid parental leave, and depending on the position we also offer summer hours and flex place/flex time options.