Senior Development Chemist

Potter & Moore; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Potter & Moore Innovations is a leading manufacturer of fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products. We are looking for a Senior Development Chemist to join the R&D team and drive formulations from concept to launch.

You will lead development projects through the NPD process, ensure technical validity and regulatory compliance, and mentor junior team members.

This senior role provides influence on formulation strategy and the opportunity to scale up products for market success.

Qualifications

• Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or related discipline.
• At least three years' experience developing cosmetic or personal care formulations.
• Experience across skincare, body care and haircare categories.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop cosmetic and personal care formulations from concept to launch.
• Manage development projects from concept through commercial production.
• Collaborate with customers and Business Development on briefs and queries.
• Generate prototypes and new product concepts to support business growth.
• Support product scale-up activities and provide technical manufacturing expertise.
• Review formulation and testing data for regulatory approvals.
• Troubleshoot formulation, production and quality issues.
• Mentor Development Chemists and Graduates; deputise for Head of R&D when needed.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Cosmetic Science degree

Chemistry degree

Job description

Potter & Moore Innovations is a leading manufacturer of fragrances, cosmetics and personal care products, partnering with global brands and retailers to bring innovative products to market.

Our Research & Development team plays a key role in transforming ideas into commercially successful products, combining technical expertise, creativity and customer focus to deliver formulations that meet quality, regulatory and commercial requirements. We're now looking for a Senior Development Chemist to join the team and help drive the next phase of our product innovation journey.

The Role

As a Senior Development Chemist, you will be responsible for developing innovative cosmetic and personal care formulations from concept through to launch. Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, you'll lead development projects through the NPD process, ensuring products are delivered on time, meet technical requirements and are commercially viable.

This is a senior technical role with the opportunity to influence formulation strategy, support customer relationships and mentor junior members of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop safe, effective and commercially viable cosmetic and personal care formulations.
• Manage development projects from initial concept through to commercial production.
• Work closely with customers and Business Development teams to respond to briefs and technical queries.
• Generate prototypes and new product concepts to support business growth.
• Support product scale-up activities and provide technical expertise during manufacture.
• Review formulation, stability and technical testing data to support product approvals.
• Troubleshoot formulation, production and quality issues, identifying practical solutions.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Quality, Process and Production teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Maintain a strong understanding of cosmetic regulations and market requirements.
• Support and mentor Development Chemists and Graduates within the team.
• Deputise for the Head of R&D when required.

Skills & Experience

• Degree qualified in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum three years' experience developing cosmetic or personal care formulations.
• Experience working across categories such as skincare, body care and haircare.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to take formulations from concept through to market launch.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to engage directly with customers.
• Work on innovative products for leading beauty, fragrance and personal care brands.
• Be part of a collaborative and technically driven R&D function.
• Opportunity to influence product innovation from concept to launch.