Senior R&D cum QA/QC Manager (Cosmetics / Personal Care)

Everfresh Premium Sdn Bhd; Kulim; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetic manufacturer in Kedah is looking for a Senior R&D cum QA/QC Manager to drive innovation and ensure product excellence. This full-time role involves overseeing the lifecycle of product development, managing QA/QC functions, and leading a dynamic team to meet regulatory and customer standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in a related field and 3–5 years of industry experience, with strong analytical and project management skills being essential. Attractive benefits and career advancement opportunities offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in R&D and/or QA/QC within the cosmetic industry.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic ingredients and formulation techniques.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory work and formulation troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation of skincare and cosmetic products.
• Establish and maintain quality management systems.
• Supervise QC activities and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Biotechnology

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Quality management systems

Job description

Senior R&D cum QA/QC Manager (Cosmetics / Personal Care)

About the role

Everfresh Premium Sdn Bhd, a leading manufacturer of high-quality cosmetic and personal care products, is seeking an experienced R&D cum QA/QC Manager to join our dynamic team. This full-time position, based in Lunas, Kedah, plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, ensuring product excellence, and supporting the company’s overall growth. The role oversees the end-to-end lifecycle of cosmetic product development, from formulation and testing to scale-up and stability studies, while also managing all QA/QC functions to ensure every product meets regulatory, safety, and customer standards.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development (R&D)

• Lead end-to-end formulation of skincare, haircare, body care, and cosmetic products.
• Develop new formulations based on market trends, customer briefs, and brand direction.
• Oversee and manage the research and development of new cosmetic and personal care products to meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.
• Conduct compatibility, stability, efficacy, and performance testing.
• Improve existing formulas for better texture, sensorial feel, and performance.
• Source and evaluate new raw materials; maintain updated ingredient database.
• Work closely with Marketing and Production to translate concepts into finished product formulations.

Quality Assurance (QA)

• Establish and maintain quality management systems (QMS) in accordance with GMP, ISO, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and maintain documentation including SOPs, COAs, COOs, SDS, batch records, and QA reports.
• Ensure raw materials and finished products comply with regulatory requirements (NPRA, ASEAN Cosmetic Directive).
• Oversee internal audits and support external inspections.

Quality Control (QC)

• Supervise QC activities: incoming raw material and packaging material inspection, in-process checking, and final product testing.
• Ensure lab equipment calibration, proper sampling, and accurate record-keeping.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for quality issues.
• Investigate product complaints and implement improvements.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Manage NPRA notifications, product registrations, ingredient compliance checks, and PIF updates.
• Ensure adherence to halal, safety, and labelling regulations.
• Communicate with suppliers, auditors, and regulatory bodies where required.

Team & Project Management

• Lead, coach, and develop R&D and QC team members to strengthen overall technical capabilities.
• Oversee project planning, establish timelines, and manage multiple development pipelines to ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate with the production team and oversee the full scale-up process to ensure a smooth transition of new formulations into manufacturing, while maintaining operational efficiency and strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Track and maintain production schedules to meet established deadlines and output targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyse market trends, identify improvement opportunities, and translate customer feedback into actionable R&D initiatives.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Review, analyse, and interpret technical and production data to support decision-making, optimise processes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences to stay updated on emerging technologies, market movements, and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in R&D and/or QA/QC within the cosmetic or personal care industry (managerial experience is an added advantage).
• Strong understanding of cosmetic ingredients, formulation techniques, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with GMP and ISO 22716 standards (added advantage).
• Hands‑on experience in laboratory work, formulation troubleshooting, and stability testing.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and make data‑driven decisions.
• Exceptional project management and team leadership abilities, with the capability to motivate and guide a high‑performing technical team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and lead a team effectively.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in skincare, haircare, OTC-type products, or cosmeceuticals.
• Knowledge of NPRA, ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, and safety assessments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Good communication skills and ability to present technical information clearly.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.