Formulation Manager

Please note: We require candidates to be based in the Greater BC area, with the ability to be on-site our lab in South Surrey a few days per week.

Overview:

At Saje Natural Wellness, we're nature's original farmacy, blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life, naturally. And like nature, we're continually growing! As we continue to build our team, we're seeking talented people to join us: in our stores, support offices, and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven, people-first organization where collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive.

We look for individuals who have drive and warmth, agility and passion, and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do.

At Saje, you’ll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career, alongside the most talented, hard working, and kind-hearted people out there.

The impact you'll make:

Reporting into our Director, Research & Development, as the Formulation Manager you will lead the development of the Saje formulations. You’ll identify trends and research natural ingredients, to keep on pulse with the global market of natural raw ingredients and keep us ahead of the curve, while continuing to champion product innovation.

All Saje Team Members are responsible for contributing to Saje’s culture and maintaining a positive environment for themselves and their peers.

What you'll do:

• Identify, interpret trends and research natural ingredients and inspirational brands to generate and present product types and highlighted ingredients.
• Lead conception, ingredient research and development of formulations from sampling to approval with co-manufacturers
• You will lead ingredient approval and technical product specification development on behalf of Saje
• Communicate with co-manufacturer’s R&D team to understand formulations and problem solve -ingredient standards, quality, organoleptic standards
• Partner cross functionally with the wider R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations team
• Act as the referent for category questions - supporting Learning and Development with launch information and RA/QA with ingredient documentation and formulation details
• Lead post-launch formulation evaluation of products and ongoing assessment of products throughout their lifecycle to current trends and ingredient innovations to recommend formulation improvements
• Represent the voice of our Community Members in all product innovation decisions when it comes to the formulation
• Ensure each product on the shelf best represents the company's commitment to 100% natural, world class quality
• Work jointly with the Saje In-house Aromatherapist to support the review, assessment and cataloguing of all essential oils (new and recurrent purchases) for future potential use and education
• Develop key Saje ingredient and product messaging such as the development of a product ingredient charter, product testing philosophy and product certification standards for use by the Marketing Team
• Design and map product research and development programs in collaboration with cross functional teams
  Coordinate product test strategies to ensure all products are properly developed according to quality and jurisdictional regulatory standards, laws and practices
• Support the Saje Quality Team in product root cause investigations in the event of a product formulation issue
• Liaise with the Marketing Team to identify potential and substantiated product marketing claims
• Serve as an internal scientific resource in support of CF teams (namely marketing and CX/TX) to address technical/scientific, health questions or concerns regarding ingredients and/or product education
• Develop strong supplier relationships in sourcing innovative ingredients that meet Saje 100% Natural Standards
• Maintain cosmetic and natural health product knowledge to bring innovation to the brand
• Be the go-to person between Innovations and the Quality Department in any matters dealing with ingredients/formulations.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Undergraduate degree in science (preferably chemistry)
• Previous experience working in an R&D, product development or related role in the cosmetic industry
• Experience with user testing and ethnographic research
• Knowledge of US and Canadian cosmetic and NHP/OTC regulations; as well as an understanding of CPG and GMP
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and thrives in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and planning skills, excellent at setting priorities and adapting them as urgent matters rise
• Strong project management skills
• Passion and personal practice in natural wellness and well-being
• A team player who easily builds cross-departmental relationships
• Strong aptitude in Microsoft Excel
• Experience using RFPs, in reading SDS, COA, technical specs, etc.

Why Saje?

Here at Saje, we understand that joining a team is an important decision to make, so we want to be sure you're supported to do your best work.

The compensation range on average for this position is from $70,000 - 85,000 annually. Base pay is dependent on market location and mayvary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

In addition to your base, we offer:

• Annual bonus program
• A hybrid way of working
• Flexible work hours based on business needs
• Wellness days to ensure you're taking care of you mental and physical health
• Health benefits - comprehensive health, vision and dental packages
• Paid sick days
• Generous product discount
• Full onboarding plan and onboarding buddy to help you settle in
• Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support, resources, and information available to you and your family
• GRSP programs
• Paid time off to ensure you're resting & recharging
• Product training to help you learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Join our team!

If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply in the link below. Not sure you're 100% the right fit? We encourage you to apply even if you don't have all of the listed qualifications. We offer a thorough onboarding experience to set you up for success, learning and development support, and help you to integrate seamlessly.

Saje provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants and believe the best teams are made up of diverse perspectives and people. We offer reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and will work with you to ensure you are supported while working at Saje.