Innovation & R&D Manager Supplements

Company Overview

Pearl West is redefining what it means to build consumer brands. Think of us as a lean high-performance version of Unileverwithout the bureaucracy. We own and operate several brands in health supplements beauty sports nutrition skincare and pet categories with a combined run rate of $40M USD and scaling aggressively.

Our mission is simple: build brands that leave lasting impressions and exit them at their peak.

What makes us different Were not scale and pray private equity. Were operator-led performance-driven and outcome-obsessed. Our centralized shared-services modelcovering growth creative product and operationsfuels multiple brands with speed clarity and execution.

If you want to lead with autonomy move fast and own results Pearl West is your arena.

Role Overview

As the Innovation & R&D Manager youll lead the full lifecycle of product developmentfrom concept and formulation to launch and post-market optimization. This is a full-time leadership role focused exclusively on the health supplements category requiring a balance of strategic vision scientific rigor and operational execution.

Youll drive new product launches that align with consumer trends regulatory standards and Pearl Wests commitment to high-performance products that scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development from ideation R&D supplier sourcing and formulation to testing compliance and launch.
• Own the innovation pipeline identify white-space opportunities and build a roadmap aligned with market trends in supplements and wellness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally work with marketing operations and creative to ensure seamless go-to-market execution.
• Optimize economics & scalability negotiate supplier contracts improve COGS and enhance profitability without compromising quality.
• Ensure compliance & quality manage regulatory and labeling standards across multiple markets.
• Accelerate time-to-market establish efficient systems and workflows to move from concept to launch rapidly.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Launch 46 new SKUs per quarter (or 1520 annually) from concept to market-ready within agreed timelines.
• Achieve 70% gross margin on all new supplement launches.
• Deliver at least 2025% of annual brand revenue from products launched within the past 12 months.
• Reduce time-to-market by 2530% compared to prior cycles (targeting <90 days from concept to ready-to-launch).
• Maintain 100% regulatory compliance and zero quality recalls across all launches.
• Negotiate 10% COGS improvement per SKU through supplier optimization and process efficiencies.
• Achieve 85% on-time project completion rate across all product launches.
• Sustain product review rating of 4.5 within six months of launch on primary sales platforms (Amazon/DTC).

Success Benchmarks (Days)

First 30 Days:

• Deep dive into Pearl Wests supplement brands products and supply chain.
• Build relationships with internal teams and external partners.

First 60 Days:

• Take ownership of active development projects.
• Identify immediate improvements in formulation cost or timeline efficiency.

First 90 Days:

• Lead your first product launch from concept to shelf.
• Build a repeatable framework for end-to-end supplement development.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product development for health supplements (R&D sourcing compliance launch).
• Strong supplier and manufacturer management experience.
• Deep understanding of NPN/FDA compliance labeling and claims regulations.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Data-driven mindset with P&L awareness and focus on scalability.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Experience in Amazon or DTC product launches.
• Familiarity with nutraceutical trends ingredients and formulations.
• Startup or high-growth brand experience.

Experience & Education

• 5 years in product development formulation management or category leadership (preferably supplements or wellness).
• Bachelors degree in Business Nutrition Chemistry or related field.

Who Should Apply

Apply if you:

• Thrive in fast-paced high-growth environments.
• Love owning projects from idea to impact.
• Balance creativity with execution and accountability.

Do not apply if you:

• Prefer corporate environments with slow decision-making.
• Struggle to prioritize speed and results under pressure.

Why Join Us

• Impact: Shape and scale a rapidly growing supplement portfolio.
• Growth: Direct access to leadership and clear advancement paths.
• Culture: Performance-first high-autonomy zero-bureaucracy environment.
• Compensation: Competitive salary equity upside and flexible work setup.
• Perks: Health benefits learning stipend flexible PTO team retreats.

Compensation & Benefits

• Role Type: Full-time
• Category: Health Supplements
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Vancouver HQ) or Remote with occasional travel
• Benefits: Medical dental and mental health coverage
• Perks: Learning stipend flexible PTO team events

Application Process

1. Submit your resume highlighting your relevant experience in product innovation R&D and the supplements category.
2. Initial interview with the hiring team to discuss your background and fit.
3. Final interview with leadership to assess strategic alignment and role ownership.