Manager, Formulated Product R&D

It's Time to Join Stryker!

Who We Want

We are looking for a hands-on, people-first R&D leader with deep formulation expertise and a strong track record developing and sustaining formulated products. You’ll lead a team through formulation strategy, testing, scale-up support, and life-cycle management across drug, cosmetic, and biocide categories. Success in this role requires strong technical judgment, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to influence cross-functional partners while building a high-performing, inclusive team.

What You Will Do

Lead and develop talent

• Attract, develop, retain, and engage top talent; coach performance and support career growth.
• Foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging through hiring, development, and daily leadership.
• Translate department goals and strategy into clear, measurable objectives for your team.

Drive formulation R&D and innovation

• Lead formulation development and sustainment activities from concept through launch and post-market support.
• Make sound, independent decisions on project- and program-level technical priorities, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Apply structured problem-solving and process improvement methods to technical, business, and personnel challenges.

Partner cross-functionally and communicate effectively

• Lead complex initiatives across functions and business units to drive innovation and achieve business goals.
• Communicate and present complex technical and regulatory topics clearly to diverse audiences, including senior leaders and external partners.
• Partner with customers and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to inform technical strategy and align solutions to clinical and business needs.
• Support customer-facing activities such as Voice of Customer and customer-centric design efforts.

Ensure compliance and quality

• Lead your team and cross-functional partners to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Provide direction on formulated product development processes and procedures, including Quality by Design (QbD) principles.
• Review, approve, and/or delegate approval of program-specific technical documentation and deliverables.

Manage project and financial accountability

• Lead high-complexity projects with responsibility for planning, resourcing, and budget execution.
• Contribute to project and business unit R&D budgets, forecasting, and tracking.
• Collaborate on business modeling and strategy for product segments and/or functional initiatives.

What You Need (required)

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Formulation / Pharmaceutical / Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of applicable R&D experience in formulated products.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and best practices applicable to formulated product development.

Preferred Qualifications (strongly desired)

• 2+ years of direct people management experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulated product development and the ability to mentor others.
• Track record of successfully developing, launching, and/or sustaining products in OTC drug and/or cosmetic categories.
• In-depth understanding of U.S. cosmetic and OTC drug regulations, guidance, and best practices.
• Proven performance coach: sets clear expectations, delivers actionable feedback, and develops talent.
• Experience executing talent and performance management strategies.
• Ability to communicate complex plans and technical information clearly across a division.
• Consistent delivery of programs/goals on time, on quality, and within budget
• General knowledge of the healthcare market and competitors.

• $129,800- $216,400 salary plus bonus eligible + benefits. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.