Team Lead Clinical Sensory Research
Research & Development
The R&D teams at Mary Kay are passionate about science. They continuously research products that allow our consultants to offer their end-users an experience of unsurpassed quality and unrivaled benefit. The products we develop must make people feel confident about themselves and their choice of Mary Kay. Our research teams travel internationally, finding new ideas and presenting Mary Kay science on a worldwide stage. Our innovative teams include roles in product safety, product formulation, skin and clinical research, nutritionals, regulatory affairs, quality and other disciplines.
Job Summary:
Provides technical and operational direction, including cost center budget and resource management, to the Product Experience Center (PEC), which is responsible for conducting and/or coordinating clinical and consumer testing to support product development. Provides direction to PEC staff, including scheduling, study execution, training, and development. Builds PEC capabilities, fosters a continuous improvement environment, shares knowledge and experience to develop and coach staff. Collaborates with functional leaders to set strategic direction of PEC. Works with internal R&D customers to execute, coordinate and communicate study status and results. Responsible for delivering timely, accurate results with appropriate quality assurance. Responsible for the implementation of standardized procedures and test methods. May serve as study director. Coordinates with external testing labs to ensure that testing is consistent with established Mary Kay standards and industry best practices.
About the Role:
• Leads a team of scientists and coordinators. Supports development and training opportunities for direct reports. Supports the performance of direct reports through goal setting, clear expectations, on-going assessment of work quality, and coaching. Provides timely, constructive, and actionable feedback that enables the professional growth of team. Provides cross-functional leadership, including training of PEC customers and stakeholders on PEC operations, GCP, and other relevant topics.
• Responsible for PEC daily operations. Possesses a strong technical foundation and practical knowledge of human testing principles, with a focus on clinical testing. May serve as study director. Applies experience to run clinical testing facility, including budget, invoices, supply inventory, equipment calibration and maintenance, etc. An important aspect of daily operations is communication. Effectively and timely communicates study results. Shares critical and key project information with customers and stakeholders.
• Responsible for ensuring Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and industry standards are followed, as applicable. Ensures the timeliness and accuracy of study results. Ensures appropriate quality assurance reviews are conducted and communicated. Responsible for updating PEC SOPs and training as industry standards evolve. Responsible for implementing validation/audit processes for 3rd party laboratories.
• Identifies and makes improvements to the PEC, functioning as a senior technical contributor. Fosters continuous improvement environment with staff and partner R&D scientists. Builds capabilities of PEC, including creation and implementation of standardized test methods. Collaborates with other R&D departments to accomplish goals. Remains connected with functional subject matter experts of new methodologies as they relate to product development or claims. Partners with outside testing labs to meet the project needs of Mary Kay teams. Responsible for creating project plans to address CI initiatives and providing regular updates to departmental management on project progress and challenges. Recognizes and helps manage change that impacts the PEC and its customers.
• Responsible for supporting and/or leading broader organizational projects. Expected to propose thoughtful recommendations and insights based on professional and technical experience. Should provide timely flow of information and effective communication. Utilizes support from stakeholders to align and influence the organization. These projects may be outside the direct scope of the PEC.
• This job requires on-site work at a Mary Kay facility.
Skills & Experience:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Clinical Sciences, or related field required. Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
Experience: 5+ years related work experience in a senior level scientist position, with some supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership/management skills preferred. Experience in a Clinical Research Organization (CRO) or the Cosmetic, Personal Care, or Pharmaceutical industry is preferred.
Additional Skills & Abilities
• Possess depth of functional/technical knowledge to coach direct reports on day-to-day activities and project specific deliverables within the PEC.
• Demonstrates ability to coach and mentor staff.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to interact with external and internal panelists, staff, management, and external vendors.
• Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills. Must have full proficiency in technical writing and communication, including oral presentations and reports. Skilled in summarizing work for decision-making and in business communication to influence organization.
• Collaborates well with individuals within Mary Kay and external vendors. Resolves conflict effectively.
• Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects and activities of moderate complexity within the PEC. Demonstrates proficient organizational and time management skills.
• Must have ability to apply standard scientific principles and use sound technical and scientific judgments within scope of role and critical thinking in all aspects of work. Must demonstrate good professional judgement and critical thinking in leading staff.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively lead self and across functional technical teams.
Company Overview
We are a company that believes in our people and cares for them with truly exceptional benefits. We offer:
• A comprehensive health plan which includes medical, dental, and vision with low premiums
• 401(k) plan
• A generous profit-sharing program
• Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic
