Head of Pharmaceutical Innovation

Empower is a pioneering healthcare organization dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable medications to countless patients nationwide. We proudly stand as the largest 503A compounding pharmacy and FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility in the country, catering to the functional medicine sector.

Our distinction lies in our unwavering commitment to three fundamental values: People, Quality, and Service. Our skilled team collaborates to innovate in manufacturing, distribution, and quality assurance, offering a uniquely integrated approach to healthcare. By harnessing our vertically integrated pharmaceutical supply chain, cutting-edge technology, and a dedication to excellence, we continuously redefine the limits of medication accessibility and affordability.

Joining us means becoming part of a mission. We empower our team to innovate, develop, and effect meaningful change in the healthcare landscape. If you are a visionary who flourishes in a dynamic, transformative setting, Empower is your ideal environment. Here, you will be encouraged to express your ideas, enhance your skill set, and engage in projects that truly make an impact. We prioritize our team members' well-being, fostering a supportive and vibrant workplace where your contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.

Let’s transform healthcare together. Be part of something remarkable.

The Director of Research and Development (R&D) will spearhead Empower Pharmacy's initiatives in creating innovative compounded pharmaceutical products. In this capacity, you will assess and evaluate new product requests from healthcare practitioners and formulate the strategy from the initial concept through to manufacturing.

• Provide strategic and technical guidance in the development of dosage forms supported by Empower.
• Influence the direction of the company's product offerings.
• Act as a technical authority for formulation, product development, and analytical method development.
• Lead the team in formulating products while adhering to Design of Experiments (DoE) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles.
• Manage the development of both new products added to the daily queue and strategic long-term product lines.
• Conduct and oversee research and development studies utilizing both internal and external resources.
• Lead continuous improvement and formulation development teams.
• Research, enhance, and scale compounding practices.
• Collaborate closely with sales as a business development liaison to comprehend clients' and industry needs for specific products or product lines.
• Work in tandem with manufacturing leadership to ensure development activities align with established company systems and long-term commercial manufacturing requirements.
• Oversee the recipe management system (Master Formulation Record) to ensure all recipes are comprehensive, updated, and executable.
• Design, execute, and document stability testing protocols to support product dating recommendations.
• Address production formulation challenges and provide on-site oversight as necessary.
• Manage drug applications as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

To succeed in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While fulfilling the responsibilities of the position, the employee is required to communicate effectively. The employee frequently uses their hands and fingers to handle or feel to access, input, and retrieve information from computers and other office devices. The employee must stand for most of the shift (5 days/8 hours) and navigate around the office and corporate campus. The employee is required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Vision abilities required by this position include close vision, and the ability to lift objects weighing up to 40 lbs is necessary. The employee must utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing daily tasks in controlled environments.

• Expertise in USP, cGMPs, ICH, and FDA guidelines.
• Exceptional communication skills for external customer interactions.
• Strategic perspective combined with hands-on problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• Capacity to adapt to changing responsibilities while managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Sensitivity to confidential documents and information.
• Willingness to enter production environments as needed.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus: Ability to cultivate strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Knowledge of the most effective and efficient processes to achieve objectives, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals.
• Resourcefulness: Effectively secures and deploys resources.
• Manages Complexity: Navigates complex, high-quality, and sometimes contradictory information to solve problems effectively.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for meeting commitments and objectives.
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach and demeanor in real-time to match the demands of different situations.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers communications that clearly convey the unique needs of various audiences.

• Advanced degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacy, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in formulations.
• Proven management experience is essential.
• Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing Green Belt Certification is preferred.

• No-Cost Medication: Access prescribed compounded medications at no cost.
• Onsite Health & Wellness – IV Therapy Drips: Enjoy complimentary onsite IV Therapy drips to enhance well-being.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Options: Choose from tailored medical plans, along with dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Telehealth Visits: Access board-certified doctors anytime, anywhere.
• Paid & Volunteer Time Off: Benefit from paid time off for personal pursuits and volunteer opportunities.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy eight scheduled holidays and two floating holidays for personal traditions.
• Life & AD&D Coverage: Secure financial protection for you and your family.
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Manage healthcare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• 401K Dollar-for-Dollar Up to 4%: Invest in your future with a matching 401K plan.
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability: Provided at no cost, replacing 60% of income during long-term disability.
• Flexible Schedules: Balance work and life with flexible scheduling options.
• Rewards & Recognition Program: Your contributions are acknowledged beyond your paycheck.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

• Accident Insurance: Provides a lump sum benefit for accidental injuries.
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Supplemental insurance for unexpected hospital stays.
• Critical Illness: Financial protection against serious health issues.
• Short-Term Disability: Income protection during illness or injury.
• Supplemental Life & AD&D: Additional financial protection for you and your loved ones.
• Legal Services: Access to professional legal assistance.
• Identity Theft Protection: Safeguard your identity and finances.
• Pet Insurance: Coverage for your pets.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for overall well-being.