Global Head of R&D

Inspired by Dr. Murad’s lifelong commitment to science-backed wellness, we create products and experiences not only for healthier skin, but for happier lives. At Murad, we’re committed to conquering the global health epidemic of stress. “Stress less. Be imperfect. Live longer.”—Dr. Howard Murad, Founder Murad is a leading prestige skincare brand with a science-backed heritage spanning more than 30 years. As part of Unilever Prestige, Murad operates within a portfolio of high-growth, premium beauty brands distributed globally across direct-to-consumer, professional, specialty retail, and international channels. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, and operates within a complex, fast-moving environment that demands operational rigor, cross-functional partnership, and supply chain excellence at scale. ABOUT THE ROLE: The Global Head of R&D leads the strategy and execution of product innovation, formulation, packaging development, regulatory compliance, clinical testing, and efficacy/claims substantiation to support the company’s global product portfolio from concept through commercialization. This role manages the R&D team and drives cross-functional collaboration with Quality Assurance, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, external vendors, and global partners to deliver innovative cosmetic and OTC products aligned with brand strategy, regulatory requirements, and business objectives. This position is hybrid and will be based in our El Segundo, CA headquarters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,  and work  remotely  for  the rest of the workweek , unless business needs  require  otherwise . Occasional domestic and international travel required. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership & Department Oversight Lead and manage the R&D and Product Development department, including formulation, packaging, regulatory, clinical studies, and claim substantiation functions. Supervise and mentor direct reports across all sub-functions, ensuring alignment with company goals and development timelines. Establish department priorities, project timelines, and resource allocation to support business needs. Manage departmental budget, external vendor spend, and testing costs. Partner with executive leadership to support long-term innovation strategy and product roadmap. Represent R&D and Product Development in cross-functional, executive, and global meetings. Product Development & Formulation Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical products from concept through commercialization. Ensure all formulations meet performance, stability, safety, and regulatory requirements. Direct formulation development, testing, and optimization, including stability, package compatibility, PET, and safety assessments. Ensure completion of required testing, including drug stability, SPF, preservative efficacy, and other regulatory or performance validations. Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting formulation, manufacturing, and quality issues. Maintain awareness of new raw materials, technologies, and formulation approaches through regular engagement with raw material suppliers and industry partners. Manage reformulation programs and formula updates Oversee lab maintenance through equipment calibrations, waste disposal, supplies, safety programs, and training. Commercialization & Scale-Up Ensure successful transition from lab to manufacturing, including pilot batches, line trials, and first production. Attend and oversee pilot runs, scale-up, and initial production to ensure product integrity and manufacturability. Support Operations and Supply Chain with manufacturing challenges, raw material changes, and vendor issues. Maintain strong working relationships with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and suppliers. Evaluate and onboard new manufacturing partners for OEM, ODM, and contract development opportunities.\ Meet regularly with current and prospective manufacturing partners to support innovation, cost optimization, and production capabilities.  Regulatory & Global Compliance Ensure all products meet global regulatory requirements for all countries and channels of distribution. Partner with Regulatory to confirm compliance for cosmetic, OTC, and nutraceutical with international markets.  Ensure completion of safety assessments and required documentation prior to launch. Oversee regulatory review of formulas, claims, artwork, and labeling. Support international product registrations, including China and other regulated markets. Lead technical support for global launches, including required testing, documentation, and compliance submissions.  Clinical, Claims & Substantiation Support the design and execution of clinical studies, instrumental testing, and consumer testing.  Ensure claims are substantiated through appropriate testing and documentation. Collaborate with product development and Marketing to develop accurate, compliant, consumer-facing language. Provide technical interpretation of clinical results for internal, regulatory, and marketing use. Support copy, claims, and artwork review to ensure scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance.  Packaging Development & Sustainability Partner with Packaging to develop primary, secondary, and tertiary components for new product innovation. Support material selection, compatibility testing, and packaging performance validation. Lead and support sustainability initiatives, including PPWR compliance and environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Ensure packaging meets regulatory, quality, and manufacturing requirements.  Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Marketing on product concepts, innovation pipeline, and launch calendar. Collaborate with QA to resolve production issues and ensure quality consistency. Support Operations and Supply Chain with sourcing, manufacturing, and cost optimization. Work with