Formulation Chemist – Skincare (16 Month Fixed Term Contract)

SC Johnson; Denby CP; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

4+1 hybrid working model*

Company pension scheme (up to 6%)

Life assurance (4× your salary)

Healthcare platform access

Enhanced parental leave policy

Optical & hearing test vouchers

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Employee benefits platform with perks

Access to employee assistance programs

Fresh fruit & hot drinks

Subsidised on-site canteen

Staff shop discounts

Free parking

EV charging points (renewable energy)

Cycle-to-work scheme

Save a Space £200 monthly prize draw

Job summary

SC Johnson Professional is seeking a Formulation Chemist – Skincare to lead the development of skincare formulations and drive improvements across global markets. The role partners with a Category Manager to deliver high-quality products, cost savings, and new technologies while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position is based in the UK at Denby, Derbyshire, and demands a hands-on scientist ready to influence project direction, with in-depth experience in cosmetic formulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience developing cosmetic formulations.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and data-driven formulation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead skincare formulation development projects from concept to design freeze.
• Develop and optimize skincare formulations in line with safety, quality and ingredient standards.
• Conduct laboratory testing, analyze results and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain and Procurement.
• Provide technical leadership during scale-up and manufacturing transfer.
• Maintain accurate documentation in SAP/PLM systems.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Emulsions

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

SAP PLM

Job description

Joining the team at SC Johnson Professional® makes you part of a family company with a deep history in the professional market as a leading manufacturer of skincare, cleaning and hygiene products, and smart technologies. We provide solutions to Healthcare, Clean Industrial, Industrial, Office & Institutional, Hospitality & Travel, and Retail & Entertainment markets.

SC Johnson Professional® is a business unit within SC Johnson, a family-owned and led company and leading manufacturer of quality, trusted products since 1886.

Please note that this role is a 16-Month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Denby Derbyshire

Function: Senior Associate, Chemistry

Internal Job Title: Global Pro RD&E

• Competitive salary

• 4+1 hybrid working model*

• Company pension scheme (up to 6% employer contributions)

• Life assurance (4× your salary)

• Free access to a healthcare platform offering nutritional advice, wellbeing support, and more

• Enhanced parental leave policy

• Free optical & hearing test vouchers

• 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays

• Employee benefits platform with discounts & wellbeing perks

• Access to employee assistance programmes

• Complimentary fresh fruit & hot drinks

• Subsidised on-site canteen

• Discounted products at our staff shop

• Free parking

• EV charging points at our Denby site (powered by our own renewable electricity!)

• Cycle-to-work scheme plus bicycle storage area

• “Save a Space” £200 monthly prize draw (earn a ticket every day you car share or don’t use a parking space!)

• And so much more!

About the Role:

As a Formulation Chemist – Skincare, you will play a key role in developing and optimizing skincare formulations that deliver meaningful consumer benefits and business growth. Working closely with the Category Manager, you will apply your formulation expertise to drive new product development, line extensions, cost savings initiatives, and technology improvements. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically driven professional to provide technical leadership, influence project direction, and contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality skincare solutions on a global scale.

Responsibilities:

• Lead formulation development projects from concept through to design freeze.
• Develop and optimise skincare formulations in line with safety, quality, and ingredient standards.
• Conduct laboratory testing, analyse results, and drive formulation improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Research and Development, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Procurement.
• Provide technical leadership during scale-up and manufacturing transfer activities.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and project data within SAP and Product Lifecycle Management systems.

Experience you’ll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline, with proven experience in cosmetic formulation development.
• Hands‑on experience developing formulations across multiple technologies, including emulsions.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and the ability to interpret performance data to make sound technical recommendations and formulation decisions.

Behaviours you’ll need:

• Strong problem‑solving skills with a curious and innovative mindset.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
• Results‑oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous learning, scientific excellence, and safe ways of working.

Please Note:

• This role is based in the UK, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• We do not provide domestic or international relocation for this role
• You will be required to work from the office 5 days a week during the 90 days. After this, the arrangement will transition to 4 days in the office and one day working from home each week.*

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Inclusion & Diversity

We believe Inclusion and Diversity is more than a program. We embed inclusive practices in our day-to-day work, the way we relate to our colleagues, collaborate and make decisions.

We value the collective richness of the differences people bring to the organization, including style, personality, thoughts, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability – that enables all to bring their full contributions to the organization.