R&D Lab Manager

JOB FUNCTION: Scientific
JOB TYPE: Direct Hire
LOCATION: Rahway, NJ
COMPENSATION: $100k - $115k
REMOTE / ONSITE: Not Specified
POSTED: Jul 9, 2025

Our client is a leading creator of natural ingredients, providing custom solutions for clients in the food, beverage, and personal care industries. They are looking to add an R&D Lab Manager to their essential oils team.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$100k – $115k Annually, Depending on experience and qualifications

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced R&D Lab Manager to lead our hands-on technical team in the development and testing of natural essential oil products. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced lab setting and is passionate about leading people, refining processes, and bringing high-quality products to life. The R&D Lab Manager will play a central role in both team supervision and active project execution.

Responsibilities of the R&D Lab Manager:

  • Oversee daily lab operations and supervise a team of 3 lab employees, ensuring projects are completed on time and to quality standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer-specific formulation needs and internal development goals.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to technical staff while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
  • Actively contribute to product development, including essential oil blending, quality testing, and troubleshooting.
  • As the R&D Lab Manager, ensure compliance with safety procedures and industry regulations while driving efficiency and lab productivity.

Required Experience/Skills for the R&D Lab Manager:

  • 5+ years of experience in a professional laboratory environment.
  • 2+ years of supervisory experience.
  • Solid understanding of essential oils, natural formulations, and flavor/fragrance chemistry.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
  • The R&D Lab Manager should have the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the R&D Lab Manager:

  • Experience in the flavor, fragrance, and essential oils industry.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards in lab environments.
  • Background in lab process optimization or quality assurance.

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field is required.

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k).
  • Paid time off, holidays, and more.

By applying to this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, and/or emails from Atrium and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to opt out on any message you receive. For more details, please review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Position ID: 156513