Stability & Documentation Manager - R&D

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Stability & Documentation Manager - R&D based in Australia.** Joining a high-growth Product organization, this role is centered on proving product shelf-life and taking full ownership of the technical documentation that defines every SKU. While formulation teams focus on flavor and performance, you will lead the stability testing strategy across a diverse gummy portfolio, validating complex analytical methods and negotiating directly with external testing labs. Operating in a fully remote, high-trust environment, you will act as the ultimate guardian of specification accuracy and product integrity. This is an impactful position designed for a product development or formulation professional ready to step into a high-accountability role. Beyond day-to-day testing, you will collaborate closely with Quality, Operations, and contract manufacturers to prevent quality issues long before launch. You will also participate in biannual team off-sites, combining remote flexibility with meaningful in-person collaboration. ### Accountabilities: - **Run Stability Programs:** Design, execute, and oversee stability studies across the entire gummy portfolio, establishing testing protocols, tracking timepoints against shelf-life targets, and sharing key data with stakeholders. - **Method Evaluation & Validation:** Assess test method compatibility for complex matrices, actively identifying detection limits or matrix interferences, and pushing back to find superior analytical solutions when needed. - **Lab Management & Negotiation:** Lead price, scope, and turnaround time negotiations directly with third-party contract testing laboratories. - **Document Suite Ownership:** Maintain, audit, and update the complete documentation suite for every SKU—including specs and SFPs—ensuring audit-ready paper trails across the supply chain. - **Specification Sign-Off:** Stage product specifications from initial draft through to final approval, exercising independent judgment on product sign-offs. - **Early Issue Detection:** Proactively identify potential stability, ingredient degradation, off-note, or packaging interaction issues before they impact quality or launch timelines. - **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Partner with Quality, Operations, and co-manufacturers to maintain consistent test methods, specs, and protocols from development to commercial production. **Requirements:** - **Experience:** 4+ years of hands-on experience in R&D, Quality, or Product Development within dietary supplements, food, or a regulated consumer product category (gummy or confectionery experience strongly preferred). - **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field. - **Technical Expertise:** Proven track record of designing and running end-to-end stability studies and validating test methods for complex formulation matrices. - **Chemical & Analytical Acumen:** Solid understanding of gummy chemistry, extraction methods, and analytical limitations (e.g., matrix interference, detection limits). - **Vendor Negotiation:** Direct experience negotiating pricing, scope, and service level agreements with external testing laboratories. - **Ownership & Communication:** Demonstrated ability to independently own specs, make critical quality calls, and communicate effectively across cross-functional teams, co-manufacturers, and external partners. - **Detail Orientation:** Exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous approach to record-keeping and document accuracy. **Benefits:** - **Competitive Compensation:** Highly competitive base salary range ($115,000 – $130,000 equivalent) plus annual bonus opportunities. - **Work Flexibility:** Fully remote work structure built on high trust, flexibility, and autonomy. - **Team Connection:** Biannual all-expenses-paid team off-sites to connect in person. - **Health & Wellness Coverage:** Comprehensive health and medical benefits package for you and your family. - **Generous Time Off:** Generous PTO policy supporting health, personal wellness, and work-life balance. - **Perks & Allowance:** Generous product allowances and additional health-centered perks.