Senior R&D Manager Cosmetics

RBW Consulting; Alton; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RBW Consulting seeks an experienced Senior R&D Manager to lead a cosmetics-focused innovation function in Hampshire. You will drive product development from concept to launch, manage key customer relationships and lead a small R&D team in a fast-paced environment.

The role combines technical leadership, people management and strategic collaboration with Commercial, Operations and Quality teams to shape and deliver exciting beauty products that meet market needs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in beauty/cosmetics or adjacent FMCG sectors.
• Experience leading technical or R&D teams and managing stakeholders.
• Track record of delivering new product development projects.
• Commercial awareness and ability to read market trends.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills.
• Strong project management and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a small R&D team.
• Drive the innovation strategy across beauty and personal care categories.
• Manage the full product development lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Act as technical lead for key customers and stakeholders.
• Translate client requirements into commercially viable products.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement and Manufacturing.
• Identify trends, ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to high quality standards.
• Present technical proposals and development updates to customers and senior leadership.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across R&D.

Skills

Cosmetics industry experience

Stakeholder management

NPD / product development

Commercial awareness

Communication & influencing

Project management

Education

Degree in Chemistry / Cosmetic Science / Formulation Science

Job description

Senior R&D Manager - Cosmetics

Location: Alton, Hampshire

Working Pattern: Primarily site-based with flexibility for hybrid working

Lead Innovation in a Growing Health & Beauty Business

We are seeking an experienced Senior R&D Manager to join an innovative beauty and personal care manufacturer based in Hampshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded R&D leader to drive product innovation, manage key customer relationships, and lead a high-performing team in the development of exciting beauty and cosmetic products.

This role combines technical leadership, people management, and customer engagement, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys bringing new ideas from concept through to commercial launch.

The Role

• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of dedicated R&D professionals
• Drive the innovation strategy across beauty and personal care product categories
• Manage the full product development lifecycle from concept to launch
• Act as the technical lead for key customers and stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their requirements and translating them into commercially viable products
• Collaborate closely with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams
• Identify emerging trends, ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Present technical proposals and development updates to customers and senior leadership teams
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the R&D function

About You

We are looking for an experienced R&D leader with a strong background in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or related consumer products.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience within the beauty, cosmetics, personal care, skincare, toiletries, or adjacent FMCG sectors
• Significant experience managing and developing technical or R&D teams
• Strong stakeholder and client-facing skills with the ability to build lasting relationships
• Track record of successfully delivering new product development projects
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of market trends
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Strong project management and organisational abilities
• Degree qualified in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Formulation Science, or a related discipline

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with skincare, haircare, toiletries, cosmetics, or wellness products
• Knowledge of cosmetic regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience working within a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment
• Understanding of formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing processes

What's on Offer?

• Senior leadership position within a growing business
• Opportunity to shape innovation strategy and product pipelines
• Management responsibility for a talented R&D team
• High level of customer interaction and strategic influence
• Competitive salary and benefits package

If you're an accomplished R&D leader looking to make a significant impact within the beauty and personal care sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join a business where innovation, collaboration, and customer partnership are at the heart of everything they do