Chemist - Spf Specialist | Thg Labs

THG; Trowbridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global ecommerce group is seeking a Senior Development Chemist – SPF Specialist based in Trowbridge. In this role, you will lead the formulation and development of globally compliant SPF products and mentor junior lab technicians. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years experience in cosmetic formulation and specialized experience in sun care. Competitive benefits include enhanced leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Access to on-site gym

Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands

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 aspects of SPF product scale-up including pilot batches.
• Represent the technical team in customer meetings.

Skills

Cosmetic and toiletry formulation

SPF product development

Team management

Data interpretation

Education

Degree in a science-based subject

Tools

Labsphere UV analysis equipment

Job description

About THG

We are THG, a global ecommerce 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. What are you waiting for?

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.

About THG Labs

We're the trusted UK product development and cosmetics manufacturing partner for world‑leading beauty brands. Working with both multinationals and ambitious indie start‑ups, we have a long‑standing reputation for consistently creating award‑winning skincare, haircare, bodycare, suncare and fragrance that stands out in the global market.

Why be a Chemist at THG Beauty?

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

As Chemist, you'll:

• 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.
• Communicating effectively and positively with all teams, colleagues, and managers.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety for yourself and other persons who may be affected by your work.
• To cooperate with regards to all company health & safety measures, following H&S training when using equipment.
• Report to a person in authority any work situation which may represent a serious or imminent danger to health & safety or any shortcomings in the protection arrangements to health & safety. In respect of any hazards remember 'see it, report it'.
• Help create a positive H&S culture, by continually coaching a safe working environment.
• Helping to promote a positive working atmosphere within the company.
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time.

What skills and experience do I need for this role?

• 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.

What's in it for me?

Career 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 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.
• Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.

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.

THG is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Because of the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application we receive within 14 days. If you haven't heard from us within that time frame or should you have any specific questions about this or other applications for positions at THG please contact one of our Talent team to discuss further.