Lab Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bath; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

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Are you a creative and experienced R&D professional with a passion for developing personal care products? We’re looking for a Lab Manager to lead product development within an innovative R&D team. This role is ideal for someone who not only enjoys hands-on formulation but also thrives in managing people and driving development through a collaborative R&D team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation and development of new personal care products—across skincare, haircare, and body care—from concept to commercialisation.
• Manage a skilled R&D team, providing day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and performance oversight to ensure high standards of technical output.
• Coordinate lab development processes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to brief.
• Oversee product testing programs, including stability, microbiological, and packaging compatibility, ensuring product integrity and compliance throughout shelf life.
• Work closely with scale-up and production teams to support smooth product transfer and troubleshoot any technical challenges.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, keeping the team up-to-date with raw material innovations and industry trends.
• Represent the R&D department in cross-functional meetings and act as the technical lead on assigned projects.
• Ensure all R&D activities follow GMP and internal quality standards.

Key Requirements:

• Degree-qualified in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in cosmetic formulation, ideally including skincare, bath, and haircare categories.
• Proven track record of managing or mentoring technical team members within an R&D or lab setting.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic raw materials, formulation techniques, and global regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent project management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and represent R&D in client or stakeholder meetings.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.