Head of Research & Development (PSS08025)

Personnel Search Services Group; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Personnel Search Services Group is seeking a Head of Research & Development (R&D) to lead formulation, testing, and scalable product development in the beauty and personal care sector. The role reports to the Co-Founder and collaborates with Innovation, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

The ideal candidate will drive product innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor a growing R&D team while aligning with sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• 5 to 10 years in R&D, Product Development, or Innovation roles with proven success in developing and launching consumer products.
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional projects from concept to market launch.
• Strong understanding of formulation science, testing methodologies, regulatory and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy aligned with the company’s innovation roadmap, brand vision, and growth objectives.
• Drive end-to-end product development from concept through formulation, prototyping, validation, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Identify emerging ingredient trends, technologies, and scientific advancements to create differentiated product offerings.
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, stability testing, and product performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Consumer Insights teams to translate customer needs into commercially viable products.
• Work closely with external laboratories, ingredient suppliers, consultants, and manufacturing partners to accelerate development timelines.
• Ensure all formulations comply with regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for existing products focusing on performance, cost optimization, and sustainability.
• Build and manage a robust innovation and product development pipeline.
• Establish testing protocols, product specifications, and technical documentation.
• Monitor project timelines, development costs, and commercialization milestones.
• Mentor and develop the R&D team while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, experimentation, and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field

Job description

About The Company

A fast-growing consumer brand in the beauty and personal care category, focused on addressing unsolved problems in skin care through innovative products. The company emphasizes natural ingredients and aims to build a differentiated product range aligned with consumer needs.

About The Company

A fast-growing consumer brand in the beauty and personal care category, focused on addressing unsolved problems in skin care through innovative products. The company emphasizes natural ingredients and aims to build a differentiated product range aligned with consumer needs.

Position Overview

The Head of Research & Development (R&D) leads the research, formulation, testing, and development of innovative products across the portfolio. This high-impact role drives product innovation, improves existing formulations, identifies emerging technologies and ingredients, and ensures successful commercialization. The role reports directly to the Co-Founder and collaborates closely with Innovation, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy aligned with the company’s innovation roadmap, brand vision, and growth objectives.
• Drive end-to-end product development from concept through formulation, prototyping, validation, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Identify emerging ingredient trends, technologies, and scientific advancements to create differentiated product offerings.
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, stability testing, and product performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Consumer Insights teams to translate customer needs into commercially viable products.
• Work closely with external laboratories, ingredient suppliers, consultants, and manufacturing partners to accelerate development timelines.
• Ensure all formulations comply with regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for existing products focusing on performance, cost optimization, and sustainability.
• Build and manage a robust innovation and product development pipeline.
• Establish testing protocols, product specifications, and technical documentation.
• Monitor project timelines, development costs, and commercialization milestones.
• Mentor and develop the R&D team while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, experimentation, and innovation.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 5 to 10 years in Research & Development, Product Development, or Innovation roles with proven success in developing and launching consumer products.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively; experience managing cross-functional projects from concept to market launch.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of formulation science, testing methodologies, commercialization processes, regulatory and quality standards; experience working with external vendors, laboratories, and manufacturing partners.
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Why Consider this Opportunity?

• Lead R&D strategy at a fast-growing brand focused on innovation in beauty and personal care.
• Drive product development that directly impacts consumer satisfaction and business growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with key teams and external partners to accelerate innovation.
• Shape a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement within the R&D function.
• Opportunity to work with natural ingredient-based formulations addressing unmet skin care needs.