Senior Manager, Research and Development (R&D)

Overview Platinum Performance is a premier nutritional focused Animal Health company founded in 1996 on the Central Coast of California. Today Platinum Performance serves most equine veterinary practices across the United States and abroad. Our mission is to improve lives through superior nutrition and unmatched personal service. We are committed to scientifically sound practice, testing new formulas, and conducting research studies and feeding trials as part of our ongoing development. Role Description We are seeking a seasoned and innovative Senior Manager of R&D to lead scientific and technical innovation efforts that support the development of high-quality, efficacious animal health supplements. This role will drive R&D excellence and translate science into scalable product innovation to help achieve aggressive growth targets. This is a hands-on leadership position for a technically proficient, detail-oriented individual with strong cross-functional communication and demonstrated project management skills. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of scientific rigor and commercial execution and can manage complex development pipelines from concept through commercialization. Responsibilities Product Development Leadership: Lead the design, formulation, testing, and optimization of new and existing animal supplement products with a focus on efficacy, palatability, and manufacturability. Innovation Pipeline Management: Support the creation and execution of a multi-year innovation roadmap aligned with corporate strategy, leveraging internal research and external collaboration. Scientific & Regulatory Integrity: Ensure all R&D work adheres to scientific best practices and complies with regulatory, quality and safety standards, including AAFCO, NASC, and FDA guidelines. Project Management Excellence: Manage multiple concurrent projects with accountability for timelines, budgets, and resource planning. Utilize formal project management tools and frameworks to track and communicate progress. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, marketing, finance, regulatory, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful development and launch of new products. Technology & Ingredient Scouting: Monitor emerging industry trends in animal nutrition, functional ingredients, and health science to identify innovation opportunities. Organizational Relationships Key internal partners: Product management, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Regulatory, Quality assurance, Manufacturing and Fulfillment teams External interfaces: University researchers, 3rd party labs, contract partners, industry associations, regulatory agencies Education and Experience 10+ years of progressive experience in R&D within the animal health, animal nutrition, pet food, or supplement industry. Experience in a mid-sized or growth-stage company preferred. Advanced degree (MS) in Animal Science, Nutrition, Veterinary Science, or a related technical field preferred. Technical Skills Requirements Proven track record of taking products from concept through commercialization, with a strong grasp of formulation science and functional ingredient development. Deep understanding of regulatory and compliance standards specific to the animal supplement market. Strong project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex development timelines, and drive decision-making under pressure. Translate complex scientific and technical topics into clear, concise insights for stakeholders. Risk assessment in new product development, including formulation risks, raw material variability, and claims substantiation. Proven experience leading interdisciplinary teams across regions, species and product lines. Physical Position Requirements Locations considered: Candidate is preferred to be within a 3-5 hour drive of Buellton or a 90 minute flight. Travel required: Travel to the site in Buellton, CA approximately once per month for 2-3 days. The employee may occasionally be required to lift to 30 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and type. The employee is frequently required to read and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and drive. This individual is occasionally required to push, grasp, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Compensation and Benefits The US base salary range for this full-time position is $142,000.00 - $205,000.00. This range reflects base pay targets for new hire salaries and varies by role, level, and location. Individual pay within the range is determined by location and factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This position is eligible for short-term and long-term incentives. Zoetis offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and insurance benefits from day one, a 401K plan with match and profit-sharing, and 4 weeks of vacation. Visit to learn more. Additional Information Unsolicited resumes statements: Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from third parties will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations as requested. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US. Zoetis may pursue sponsorship for nonimmigrant status under certain conditions. For recruitment communications, use only /careers or @ email addresses. Zoetis does not request personal financial investments for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-27