Chemist - SPF Specialist | THG Labs

THG; Broxmore Park; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global e-commerce group in the UK is looking for a Senior Development Chemist – SPF Specialist to lead the formulation and development of innovative SPF products. Candidates should have at least 10 years in cosmetic formulation, with 5 years in sun care, a degree in a science-based subject, and experience with Labsphere UV analysis. This role offers mentoring opportunities, technical representation, and a chance to drive innovation in the beauty sector.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

On-site gym

Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands

Access to face-to-face and virtual GP appointments

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in cosmetic and toiletry formulation.
• At least 5 years specializing in sun care.
• Proven track record of developing globally compliant SPF products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and development of innovative SPF products.
• Oversee SPF product scale-up and manufacturing processes.
• Train and upskill R&D colleagues in SPF formulation.

Skills

SPF product formulation

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Mentoring and managing skills

Technical presentation skills

UV analysis equipment expertise

Education

Degree or equivalent in a science-based subject

Tools

Labsphere UV analysis equipment

Job description

Reporting to the Account Head of R+D the Senior Development Chemist – SPF Specialist is responsible for:

• Lead the formulation and development of innovative, globally compliant SPF products.
• Oversee all aspects of SPF product scale‑up, including pilot batches, factory trials, and first production runs.
• Represent the technical team in customer meetings and presentations, working closely with the Commercial team.
• Manage and mentor at least one lab technician, supporting their professional development.
• Train and upskill R&D colleagues in SPF formulation and testing.
• Collaborate with suppliers and regulatory bodies to stay ahead of industry developments.
• Drive innovation by monitoring new materials, testing protocols, and competitor activity.
• Oversee technical transfer projects and ensure seamless handover to manufacturing.
• Maintain and develop methods using Labsphere UV analysis equipment, including data interpretation and reporting.
• Communicate effectively and positively with all teams, colleagues, and managers.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others affected by your work.
• Cooperate with all company health & safety measures, following H&S training when using equipment.
• Report any serious or imminent health & safety danger or shortcomings in protection arrangements, adopting a ‘see it, report it’ mindset.
• Help create a positive H&S culture by continually coaching a safe working environment.
• Promote a positive working atmosphere within the company.
• Perform any other duties required from time to time.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a science‑based subject.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in cosmetic and toiletry formulation, with at least 5 years specialising in sun care.
• Proven track record of developing globally compliant SPF products.
• Deep understanding of global sun care regulations and testing protocols.
• Experience in managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Proficient in Labsphere UV analysis equipment and data interpretation.
• Confident in delivering technical presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

About THG

We are THG, a global e‑commerce group on a mission to be the global online leader in beauty and sports nutrition. Our portfolio of leading retailers and brands such as LOOKFANTASTIC, Myprotein, ESPA, Perricone MD, and Cult Beauty form our two core businesses: THG Beauty and THG Nutrition. From Manchester to New York, we’re powered by a team of over 2500 people who work together, lead by example, and think BIG. With us, you’ll go further, faster.

Life at THG Beauty — we know that beauty isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Our portfolio of leading retailers and iconic beauty brands caters to everyone, everywhere, empowering customers all over the world to look and feel fantastic. By combining our portfolio of owned brands with a marketplace for over 1,300 third‑party beauty brands through online retail sites LOOKFANTASTIC, Cult Beauty, and Dermstore, THG Beauty’s ambition is to be the global digital partner of choice across the beauty industry, supporting the channel shift to online. THG Beauty’s breadth of relationships is unique to the beauty market; it engages with brands as a retailer, a brand owner, and a product developer and manufacturer, making it the industry’s digital strategic leader.

Learning & Development

• Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in‑house L&D team.
• Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry‑leading training provider.

Enhanced Leave

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Don’t want to work on your birthday? We don’t either! Enjoy your day off on us.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.
• Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
• Buy back up to 3 days each year.
• Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12 months.

Wellbeing Support

• Access face‑to‑face and virtual appointments with our in‑house GP.
• Access our in‑house CBT therapist.
• Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.
• State‑of‑the‑art on‑site gym.
• Access to our on‑site physio.

Other Perks

• Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Subsidised bus pass from Manchester City Centre to our ICON office.
• Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.
• On‑site staff shop.
• Access to on‑site barber.
• Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to £1000 when they pass their probation.

THG is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.