Manager, Baby Upstream Innovation R&D - Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

Kenvue is currently recruiting for:

Manager, Baby Upstream Innovation R&D

This position reports to Head of R&D, Global Baby and is based in Skillman, NJ. This position will relocate to Summit, NJ in early 2026.

Who we are

At Kenvue , we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we're the house of iconic brands - including Neutrogena, Aveeno, Tylenol, Listerine, Johnson's and BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent. Our global team is made up of ~ 22,000 diverse and brilliant people, passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact the life of millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage - and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future-and yours. For more information, click here .

Role reports to: Head of R&D, Global Baby

Location: Kenvue's corporate headquarters is currently located in Skillman NJ, but is scheduled to move to Summit, NJ in or around early 2025. R&D is scheduled to move in 2026.

Travel %: 10%

Pay: Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges from $111,000 to $192,050. This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate's skills, experience, education level & other job-related factors.

What you will do

The Manager, Baby Upstream Innovation R&D will lead a highly collaborative team that partners with R&D, marketing, and consumer insights teams to forecast what category-leading baby products will look like in 3-5 years, then creates new formulations, technologies, and capabilities that enables Kenvue to maintain our #1 leadership position in the Baby Care category. To shape ideas and concepts into actionable prototypes for our global and regional brands (Aveeno baby, Aveeno Kids, Johnson's, and Desitin), the Manager will work closely with product development, clinical & claims, strategic science, consumer insights, marketing, and supply chain partners. They will also collaborate with external suppliers, contract research organizations, health care professionals, and regulatory/trade organizations to ensure our products exceed stakeholder expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Baby R&D upstream innovation team; accountable to set strategy, prioritize programs, and execute with efficiency and excellence.
• Utilize strong technical skills and good judgment to effectively assess risk, mitigate issues, and implement solutions that increase the chances of project success.
• Identify new technologies and formulations that address consumer needs and are differentiated from competitive products.
• Communicate technical challenges clearly and effectively in the spirit of partnership and teamwork.
• Partner with the Baby and Skin Health Translational Sciences teams to inform new preclinical and clinical models to demonstrate the safety and/or performance of our products.
• Collaborate with the fragrance innovation, ingredient resiliency, and sustainable packaging teams to ensure we show proactive leadership to ensure our portfolio protects both people and planet.
• Ensure continuous professional development of the individuals on their team.
• Coordinate the accuracy and completeness of all technical documentation, including but not limited to specifications, formulas, SOP's, and work instructions.
• Monitor standards and ensure the department meets quality, medical and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• A BS, MS or PhD in Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, or related field
• A minimum of 8 years of experience with BS or equivalent, 6 years of experience with MS or 4 years of experience with PhD
• Experience in formulation or product development of cleansing and moisturizing products, including novel product forms
• Technical knowledge of raw materials commonly used in topical products, including surfactant chemistry, and understanding of their impact on formulations
• Understanding of key performance and safety tests related to skincare and haircare products
• Comfortable with ambiguity; able to help teams navigate uncertainty and risk
• Ability to partner effectively across a diverse set of business partners to deliver key results in a timely manner

• Proficient in DOE methodology and statistical analysis tools for optimization of formulation parameters
• Prior experience selecting and testing fragrances or preservative systems
• Familiarity with consumer product packaging
• Understanding of GxPs and FDA Compliance requirements
• Excellent communication skills, including spoken and written English
• Strong technical and leadership skills

What's in it for you

• Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges from $111,000 to $192,050. This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate's skills, experience, education level & other job-related factors.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package*
• Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Volunteer Time, Flexible Ways of Working & More!
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Employee Resource Groups
• This list could vary based on location/region

*Note: Total Rewards at Kenvue include salary, bonus (if applicable) and benefits. Your Talent Access Partner will be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the recruitment & hiring process.

Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

#LI-AO1