Assistant R&D Manager

Agile Consultants; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A personal and skincare products company based in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Assistant R&D Manager to lead formulation innovation and manage R&D activities. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in Chemistry and have 4–5 years of relevant experience in the industry. Key responsibilities include driving product development, managing project budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance. A strong background in cosmetic chemistry and effective team management skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in a similar R&D role within the personal care or skincare products industry.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and formulation principles.
• Strong soft skills, including communication and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation by developing new product formulations and improving existing products.
• Manage laboratory schedules, workflows, and resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor the Laboratory Team, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Ensure smooth transition of new products from R&D to Production.

Skills

Formulation development

Cosmetic chemistry

Project management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Job description

Overview

Job Code: 258/001/258 | Industry: Personal & Skincare Products

Job Brief: We are looking for an Assistant R&D Manager to support research and development activities within the personal and skincare products industry. This role focuses on driving formulation innovation, managing R&D projects, supporting production handover, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in cosmetic chemistry, hands-on formulation experience, and the ability to manage teams, timelines, and budgets effectively.

Responsibilities

• Drive innovation by developing new product formulations and concepts and improving existing products based on market trends and technical feasibility.
• Develop, monitor, and manage R&D project budgets, conduct cost analysis, identify cost-saving measures, perform cost forecasting, and collaborate with Finance on cost objectives and reporting.
• Manage laboratory schedules, workflows, and resource allocation to ensure project targets and timelines are met.
• Lead and mentor the Laboratory Team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Act as a liaison between R&D and Production, ensuring smooth transition of new products and providing technical support during batch manufacturing processes.
• Ensure all products meet internal quality standards, industry regulations, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Work closely with Sales and Quality teams to align R&D initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Investigate and resolve laboratory and formulation-related issues, implement improved technologies, and ensure operational excellence.
• Implement Lean / Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen) to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 4–5 years of experience in a similar R&D role within the personal care or skincare products industry.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
• Strong technical expertise in formulation development, cosmetic chemistry, analytical testing, project management, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation principles, and the cosmetic industry’s regulatory landscape.
• Strong soft skills, including problem-solving, attention to detail, creativity, communication, and teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting timelines, quality standards, and cost objectives.

Please visit our jobs page to check out our current list of jobs in UAE and across the world. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay updated regarding our upcoming opportunities. Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter for weekly job updates.