Director R&D - Performance & Analytical Testing

DESCRIPTION

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team! 

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Performance & Analytical Testing is a R&D leader within the Product Development Delivery (PDD) team, responsible for ensuring robust, compliant, and execution‑ready analytical, compatibility, and performance testing in support of PDI’s end‑to‑end product development pipeline.

This role owns the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of analytical and performance testing capabilities that enable timely, high‑quality, and compliant product development and launch readiness across FDA and EPA regulated product categories. The Director ensures testing programs are scientifically sound, risk‑based, and aligned to regulatory expectations while driving accountability for results, disciplined execution, and strong people development.

As a leader within Product Development Delivery, this role partners closely with Product Development, Microbiology, Quality, Regulatory, Packaging, and Operations to translate product requirements into executable testing strategies that support on time commercialization and long‑term product performance. The Director is accountable for building high‑performing teams, establishing clear ownership, and delivering measurable outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

General

• Own and lead the analytical, compatibility, and performance attribute testing strategies for new and existing products across FDA and EPA regulated portfolios.
• Ensure test methods, protocols, and validation approaches are scientifically rigorous, regulatory‑appropriate, and fit‑for‑
• Drive risk‑based testing strategies that balance speed to market, product robustness, and compliance.
• Ensure analytical and performance data clearly support product claims, specifications, shelf life, and intended use.
• Partner with R&D teams to integrate testing timelines, deliverables, and decision points into overall program plans.
• Ensure analytical and performance testing deliverables enable on‑time stage gate progression, regulatory submissions, and commercialization milestones.
• Actively identify risks, resource constraints, and execution gaps—and drive timely resolution.

Regulated Development & Compliance

• Ensure analytical and performance testing activities comply with internal quality systems, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Support FDA and EPA regulated product development by ensuring traceability, documentation integrity, and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to address testing‑related questions, deviations, and regulatory interactions.

Metrics, Accountability & Results Delivery

• Establish clear performance metrics for analytical and performance testing, including cycle time, right‑first‑time execution, data quality, and on‑time delivery.
• Hold teams accountable for meeting commitments, delivering results, and resolving issues proactively.
• Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, and continuous improvement, using data to inform decisions and prioritize work.
• Provide transparent reporting on progress, risks, and outcomes to R&D and executive leadership.

People Leadership & Team Development 

• Build, lead, and develop high‑performing analytical and performance testing teams, including managers and individual contributors.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and accountabilities aligned to business priorities.
• Coach and develop team members to strengthen technical capability, execution discipline, and leadership skills.
• Foster an inclusive, high‑accountability culture focused on results, learning, and professional growth.
• Proactively assess talent needs and build succession and capability plans for sustained performance.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• On‑time delivery of analytical, compatibility, and performance testing milestones supporting product launches and maintenance.
• Quality, completeness, and regulatory readiness of testing data and documentation.
• Reduction in development risk through effective testing strategies and early issue identification.