Manager, R&D Development at balchem

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – BCPC) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $3.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager of the R&D Development Group will lead a team of scientists and engineers focused on product development and technical support for Balchem's Minerals and Nutrients business focusing on mineral chelates, choline, and other ingredients delivering human health. This role ensures successful project execution from lab research and pilot-scale trials to full-scale manufacturing. The Manager will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and other R&D groups, fostering a high-performing team that drives innovation and efficiency of the manufacturing processes such as spray drying, granulation, crystallization, and blending.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the R&D Development Group, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, monthly inspections of laboratories and pilot plants, management of chemical inventory systems, and the development and enforcement of effective SOPs.
• Oversee the execution of development, scale-up, and technical support projects. Ensure alignment with the R&D portfolio and BU programs to meet company objectives.
• Champion the Support Project Process, assign project managers, balance team workloads, and manage project responsibilities as needed.
• Implement and manage systems to develop industrial-level processes that improve yield, enhance quality, and achieve cost savings through efficient use of raw materials and process improvements.
• Act as a key technical resource for resolving internal and customer-related issues, providing scientific data and support.
• Design and conduct technical experiments, analyze data, and communicate results effectively to drive informed decision-making.
• Lead laboratory and pilot-scale process studies and collaborate with Operations to transfer processes to full-scale manufacturing.
• Build and mentor a skilled, results-oriented team. Ensure training and development align with evolving business and technical needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development within the food, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Minimum of 2 years in a leadership role preferred.
• Ability to motivate and retain diverse talent, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Clear and effective communication to energize and influence cross-functional teams.
• Passion for overseeing projects from conception to successful market execution.
• Strong listening, coaching, and team appreciation, with integrity as a core value.
• Ability to respectfully influence outcomes and achieve shared goals.
• Goal-oriented with a focus on delivering measurable results.
• Proven history of delivering successful project outcomes.
• Strong working knowledge of chemistry and process development for industrial applications.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience with spray drying, granulation, crystallization, and blending technologies
• Experience in a cGMP or similarly regulated environment.
• Ability to apply technical and functional expertise to broader business issues.
• Understanding of the commercialization process with practical experience.
• Ability to learn quickly and provide effective guidance

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves the use of typical food and pharmaceutical science lab equipment, computers, and instrumentation.
• Some business travel by automobile, bus, train, and plane is required.
• Occasionally, must be able to work on their feet for extended periods in the lab, pilot, and manufacturing plant which may include non-standard hours (night, weekend, etc.).
• May be required to lift and carry large boxes or bags, and the work environment may occasionally be noisy, wet, slippery, and subject to temperature variations.

#IN

Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.

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