R&D Director Job Listing at Kelly Services in Earth City, MO (Job ID US3595422_BH9943449)

Description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a R&D Director for a direct-hire (permanent) position with one of our partners in the St. Louis, MO area.

If you're passionate about scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and building claims that strengthen consumer trust — and you want to lead a high-impact R&D function in a global organization — trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Compliance Director – Direct Hire
Salary: $180,000–$220,000/year (based on experience)
Additional Compensation: Bonus eligible
Schedule: Full-time, 50% laboratory / 50% office environment
Travel: 10–15%

What You'll Do

• Direct the Claims & Compliance function, ensuring all product performance statements are scientifically supported and meet U.S. EPA standards as well as international regulations.
• Oversee a diverse group of laboratories covering entomology, plant sciences, analytical chemistry, and GLP processes.
• Develop, review, and approve technical data packages to support registrations, product labeling, advertising, and customer-facing materials.
• Establish and maintain documentation systems to support regulatory filings and internal/external audits.
• Provide scientific oversight and risk assessment for complex biological and chemical research programs.
• Partner across R&D, Regulatory, Legal, Marketing, QA, and Supply Chain teams to align claims and compliance strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments and internal audits, implementing preventive and corrective actions where needed.
• Recruit, coach, and mentor technical staff, while managing departmental budgets and long-term capital investments.
• Build relationships with universities, industry associations, and external experts to keep methods and practices state of the art.

What We're Looking For

Education:

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Entomology, or a related scientific field.

Experience:

• 10+ years in a senior R&D leadership role within an EPA-regulated industry (consumer, agriculture, or turf/ornamentals).
• Knowledge of surface care products, insecticides, repellents and/or herbicides
• Proven track record of managing laboratories with expertise in entomology and/or plant biology; chemical/analytical experience a plus.
• Deep knowledge of EPA requirements and compliance; exposure to Latin American regulations (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia) highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong scientific and regulatory acumen, with hands-on experience in GLP, ASTM, ISO, or similar standards.
• Ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex studies with robust statistical methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills — comfortable presenting to internal stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and external partners.
• Track record of developing high-performing teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.

Why You'll Want This Role

Alongside a competitive salary, the company offers a comprehensive total rewards package including bonus eligibility, benefits, and professional development opportunities. You'll have the opportunity to influence global product compliance strategies, lead a team of talented scientists, and ensure consumer trust through rigorous claims and regulatory excellence.

 

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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