Director of R&D Full Time NEW

About Cure:

Cure is a venture-backed hydration brand based in New York City, offering the only premium hydration solution with a science-backed formula, plant-based ingredients, zero added sugar, and four times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. Inspired by the World Health Organization’s Oral Rehydration Solution formula, Cure is clinically proven to hydrate as effectively as an IV drip. Unlike other ORS products, Cure’s ingredients are non-GMO, sustainably sourced, and free from added sugar. Crafted with coconut water and pink Himalayan salt, Cure delivers everything your body needs for optimal hydration, without the unnecessary extras.

All Cure products are Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher, and FSA/HSA Eligible. Backed by a medical advisory board that includes renowned experts like Dr. Roshini Raj, Dr. Dana Cohen, Brooke Alpert, and 100+ medical professionals, Cure has quickly made its mark. Since 2019, Cure has expanded to over 27,000 retail stores nationwide, including Target, CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, and Sprouts. The brand has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years and is proudly B Corp Certified.

Cure’s investors include FF2032, Lerer Hippeau, Santatera, Rocana Ventures, Silas Capital, Litani Ventures, Joyance Partners, Parallel Ventures, Great Oaks Venture Capital,, and notable individuals like Peter Rahal (Co-Founder of RXBAR), Sam McBride (Former COO of RXBAR), Carly Strife (Founder of BARK), Kathleen King (Founder of Tate’s), Philip Krim (Former CEO at Casper), Nick Green (CEO at Thrive Market), Nas, Andy Roddick, and more.

About the Job:

At Cure Hydration, we’re obsessed with helping our customers and employees thrive. As our Director of R&D, you will report to Cure’s Vice President of Operations and will be responsible for developing the product pipeline, managing multiple large-scale R&D projects, and maintaining existing product formulation, ingredient, quality, and certification documentation. Additionally, you will be responsible for creating cross-functional processes for all things related to new product development.

Your responsibilities will include:

New Product Development Management

• Conduct market research and obtain consumer insights to make data-based decisions for new product development, in partnership with Marketing.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop the short-term and long-term product pipeline.
• Partner with external R&D partners, contract manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and packaging vendors to manage new finished goods and packaging development.
• Owner, manager, and leader of all new product development and continuous improvement projects.
• Create and manage timelines with internal and external partners
• Act as the main point of contact for communication between development partners and internal key stakeholders 
• Utilize your expertise to ensure new product development ideas are scalable and can achieve Cure’s margin goals.
• Collaborate with Marketing on new product development labels and label artwork changes.
• Partner with the Director of Inventory Planning to determine new launch inventory volumes and total spend.
• Support CX and Marketing with providing new product briefs and being the main point of contact for product related questions.

Internal Process Management

• Manage document control process for all new and existing ingredients and formulas.
• Manage product shelf life data.
• Manage finished good and packaging specifications. 
• Partner closely with Operations to ensure efficient processes are in place to commercialize new product development.
• Develop and implement formalized R&D processes. 
• Establish product launch KPIs and goals.

Vendor Management

• 3rd Party Certifications – manage new product certifications and annual renewals including Non GMO Project Verified, GFCO, and Kosher.
• Manage 3rd party testing process for osmolarity and other adhoc testing requirements.
• Manage relationships with contract manufacturer’s R&D team, Cure internal team, and external partners.
• Ensure updated contract manufacturer quality documentation and certifications are on hand and organized.

About You:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of work experience in the Food/Beverage industry
• Strong record of leadership, team management, and strategic acumen
• E-commerce and start-up experience is a plus
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and following through skills
• Highly organized with ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and ever-changing priorities 
• You love problem-solving and have a data-driven approach. You are direct with communication and have a strong point of view.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Docs 
• Are excited about entrepreneurship and are committed to helping people live healthier lives
• Self-driven, Curious, Confident, Optimistic, and Passionate
• US-based with work authorization to work in the US

Benefits:

• Compensation: Competitive pay + bonus + stock options + 401k matching 
• Time Off: Paid time off includes vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and more
• Product: All Cure employees receive a free Cure subscription
• Healthcare: Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Wellness: $750/year in wellness stipends
• Social: $800/year in social stipends
• Remote Work: NY and CA candidates preferred – we have team members on both EST and PST

Please submit your inquiry to lauren@curehydration.com.

We’re aware of the research showing that historically underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a job if they don’t believe that they meet all of the criteria. Do you hesitate to submit an application because you believe you need to check every box? Please apply anyway with a thoughtful cover letter! We would love to hear from you to discuss how you can help us build a great team at Cure.