It can be a chore to get all the nutrients you need from food—which is the best place to get your nutrients. And although it would be ideal to do so, life can move fast. Therefore, dietary supplements are essential to fill in the gaps. And it definitely beats succumbing to on-the-go junk food. If you have a passion for helping people improve how they feel so they can enjoy their journey on this planet, a career in the supplement industry might be right for you.
According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, more than 615,000 Americans are working in the supplements industry. Not to mention, it’s a profitable space. The U.S. dietary supplements market is projected to grow from $53.58 billion in 2023 to $78.94 billion in 2030 based on reports from Grand View Research. A career in the supplements industry is both profitable and a tremendous opportunity to help others. Interested? We’ve rounded up the top 10 careers in the dietary supplement industry to help you find an opportunity in the space.
Top Dietary Supplements Brands
Before we hop into the top careers in the dietary supplement industry, it would be beneficial to see who’s at the top of the market. We gathered seven of the best supplements brands in the industry today. Keep your eyes peeled for job opportunities at these companies.
Garden of Life
Garden of Life provides high-quality, organic, and non-GMO supplements. Known for its commitment to clean ingredients, the brand offers a variety of quality products. This includes vitamins, probiotics, and protein powders, made to support a range of health needs. They emphasize transparency, often sourcing its sustainable ingredients. They also provide clear information about the roots of its components.
Hum Nutrition
Hum Nutrition specializes in premium, science-backed supplements tailored to beauty and wellness goals. The brand’s product line includes supplements for skin health, energy, digestion, immunity, and mood support. They use ingredients that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and sustainably sourced.
Nature Made
Nature Made focuses on delivering affordable, high-quality vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements grounded in science. Known for its commitment to quality, the brand undergoes rigorous testing to meet ambitious standards. They often earn certifications from organizations like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). They make products that support heart, immune, and bone health, and overall wellness.
Nordic Naturals
A wellness brand recognized for its high-quality omega-3 fish oils and other essential nutrient supplements. Committed to purity and sustainability, the brand sources wild-caught fish from environmentally responsible fisheries. They also use a patented nitrogen processing method to preserve the oils’ freshness.
NOW
NOW is a wellness brand known for its extensive line of affordable, high-quality natural products. This includes dietary supplements, essential oils, and organic foods. NOW emphasizes transparency and rigorous quality testing to ensure safe, effective products. The brand appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for reliable, clean-label options.
OLLY
Olly is a wellness brand specializing in fun, approachable supplements designed to support daily health and well-being. They offer products targeting sleep, immunity, beauty, energy, and more. The brand emphasizes high-quality, science-backed ingredients with a focus on taste and convenience.
Thorne
Thorne is a leading health and wellness company. They specialize in high-quality nutritional supplements and health products. Committed to science-backed formulations, Thorne creates products that support optimal health and well-being. Their extensive range includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and performance supplements. Thorne’s products cater to the needs of athletes, health-conscious individuals, and wellness-conscious people.
Careers in Dietary Supplements Industry
VP of Research and Development
Job Summary: The VP of Research and Development in the dietary supplements industry leads product innovation. This role involves overseeing the development of new products from concept to market. Key responsibilities include managing R&D teams, directing research on ingredients, and leading regulatory compliance. The VP sets the R&D strategy and guides clinical trials and product testing. They must stay informed about scientific advancements and market trends.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree—relevant fields include nutrition, food science, biology, chemistry, or pharmacology
- Master’s Degree or Ph.D.—advanced degrees in food science, nutritional science, or a related field can enhance qualifications and knowledge
Salary Range: $112,500 – $398,500
Supply Chain Manager
Job Summary:
A Supply Chain Manager in the supplement industry is responsible for the entire supply chain from start to finish to get products out the door on time. Key responsibilities include managing supplier relationships, procurement, and inventory to meet production demand. The role involves logistics, cost savings and compliance with industry regulations. The Supply Chain Manager works closely with manufacturing, quality control and R&D teams.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement
- Relevant fields include Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Operations Management
- MBA with a focus on Supply Chain Management or Operations is a plus
Salary Range: $80,000–$120,000
VP of Business Development
Job Summary:
This executive role develops strategies to grow, expand the market, and establish key partnerships. The role involves finding and capitalizing on new business opportunities. It also involves building relationships with distributors, retailers, and healthcare professionals. Also, they are responsible for developing revenue growth initiatives. They conduct market analysis, negotiate high-impact partnerships, and manage the business development team. This role also involves close collaboration with marketing, sales, and product teams.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a similar field
- MBA or advanced degree often preferred
- Industry experience in sales, marketing, or business development is a strong advantage
Salary Range: $184,340 – $436,082
Product Formulator
Job Summary:
A Product Formulator in the dietary supplements industry develops and tests new supplement formulas. They work with raw ingredients to create effective, safe, and compliant products. These innovative products aid in helping people meet their nutritional goals. Often, convenience and efficiency are the focus. Researching current trends and regulatory guidelines is also one of their major responsibilities. The formulator collaborates with quality control, marketing, and production teams.
Experience/Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, nutrition, food science, or a related field
- Advanced degree (e.g., master’s or Ph.D.) preferred, especially for senior roles
- Knowledge of formulation science and ingredient interactions
- Understanding of regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, GMP) for supplements
- Experience in laboratory work or research and development
Salary Range: $41,000 – $98,000
Brand Manager
Job Description:
A dietary supplements industry Brand Manager develops and implements brand strategies to drive growth. They oversee product positioning, market research, and brand messaging. The role includes managing marketing campaigns, collaborating with sales teams, and analyzing market trends. They focus on increasing brand awareness and ensuring products align with consumer needs.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field
- MBA or advanced degree is often preferred
- Knowledge of brand management, consumer behavior, and market research
- Familiarity with the supplement or health and wellness industry is a major plus
Salary Range: $54,800 – $125,336
VP of Marketing
Job Description:
The VP of Marketing leads the development and execution of marketing strategies, driving brand growth. They oversee branding, product positioning, and digital marketing efforts. This role involves managing a marketing team and analyzing market trends. Also, they work closely with product and sales teams to align marketing initiatives. Overall, they are responsible for building strong customer engagement to enhance brand presence.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field
- MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred
- Strong understanding of brand strategy, digital marketing, and consumer behavior
- Experience or specialized knowledge in the supplement or health and wellness industry is advantageous
Salary Range: $135,200 – $202,300
Plant Manager
Job Description:
The Plant Manager oversees daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficient production and quality. They manage staff, coordinate production schedules, and ensure safety compliance. This role involves monitoring equipment maintenance, optimizing workflow, and implementing process improvements.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, business administration, or a related field
- Advanced degree or MBA can be beneficial
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality control standards
- Familiarity with industry regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA) for supplements is advantageous
Salary Range: $39,970–$189,000
Lab Manager
Job Description:
The lab manager oversees laboratory operations to ensure quality control and regulatory compliance. They also manage lab staff, coordinate testing schedules, and maintain equipment. Their tasks include creating testing protocols, analyzing product samples, and ensuring all procedures are compliant. Their goal is to ensure product purity, potency, and quality throughout the manufacturing process.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or food science
- Advanced degree (e.g., master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant field is often preferred
- Strong understanding of laboratory procedures and quality control standards
- Knowledge of industry regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA) for supplements
- Experience in laboratory management or quality assurance is beneficial
Salary Range: $73,000 – $125,000
Operations Manager
Job Description:
The Operations Manager oversees the daily functions of production and supply chain to ensure high-quality output. They manage inventory, coordinate with suppliers, and check production schedules to meet demand. They optimize processes, manage budgets, and ensure compliance. The Operations Manager works with quality assurance, logistics, and production teams to streamline operations. Their goals are to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and support business objectives.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, supply chain management, or a similar field
- MBA or advanced degree (especially for senior roles)
- Experience in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain management
- Knowledge of industry regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA) and quality control practices
Salary Range: $52,000 – $102,000
CFO
Job Description:
A CFO in the dietary supplements industry handles managing the company’s financial operations. They oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and forecasting, ensuring the business is stable. The CFO also monitors cash flow, manages financial risks, and ensures industry regulation compliance. They work with senior leadership to develop financial strategies that support business growth and profitability.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration
- MBA or advanced degree in finance, accounting, or a similar field
- CPA certification
- Extensive experience in fiscal management, accounting, and strategic planning
- Experience in the supplement, health, or food industry is a major plus
- Strong knowledge of financial regulations, budgeting, and risk management
- Proven leadership and decision-making skills in a senior financial role
Salary Range: $93,500 – $132,499