Senior Hair Color Chemist

Keune Haircosmetics | B Corp; Soest; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

27 vacation days

Pension plan

8% holiday pay

Staff discounts on Keune products

OpenUp mental well-being access

Group fitness classes at Personal Fitn

Job summary

KEUNE, based in Soest, Netherlands, seeks an experienced leader in cosmetic chemistry to drive hair dye and color product development. You will own formulation strategies, mentor scientists, and lead projects from concept to market launch.

The role emphasizes innovation, collaboration across functions, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. You will work with a cross-functional team to deliver high-performance products, identify new ingredients, and explore sustainability in development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize formulations for hair dyes, bleaches, and professional color products.
• Lead color development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, sustainability initiatives and process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align development with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field

Job description

Our ideal candidate has extensive knowledge and experience in the formulation and development of hair dyes, bleaches, and professional hair color products. This role requires leading projects, driving innovation, mentoring team members, and collaborating across functions to deliver exceptional products.

MISSION

• Develop and optimize formulations for hair dyes, bleaches, and professional hair color products, ensuring high performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead color development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring product quality and performance.
• Research and identify new ingredients, technologies, and trends in hair color science to drive innovation.
• Conduct patent searches and assess freedom to operate to support innovation and product development.
• Apply instrumental and analytical techniques to characterize and validate product performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align development activities with business objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior and mid-level team members.
• Proactively contribute to departmental success by identifying opportunities for innovation, process improvements, and sustainability initiatives.

YOU

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the formulation and development of hair dyes; experience with bleaches and other technical products is a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing cosmetic products to market.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

OUR OFFER

• A sustainably-conscious employer;
• Travel allowance
• 27 vacation days per year (based on full-time employment);
• A good pension plan;
• 8% holiday pay;
• Never have a "bad hair day" again thanks to staff discounts on the entire Keune collection!
• Attention to your mental well-being through unlimited access to OpenUp
• Participation in group classes at Personal Fitness Soest

KEUNE

We are a family business with a long-term vision, where science is at the heart of everything we do.Our story begins in 1922, in Amsterdam. Today, KEUNE belongs to one of the fastest growing brands in professional hair care products. From our headquarters in Soest, KEUNE products are developed, produced and distributed worldwide to more than 85 countries. And we have no intention of slowing down! Every year we open a new site of our own.We produce in a sustainable and animal-friendly way and are B Corp-certified. But KEUNE is not just about creating beautiful products - it's about our story and our vision. KEUNE is led by Philip Berlijn, who is focused on building a strong brand and creating a corporate culture that is all about collaboration, sustainability and showing character.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, age, disability, neurodiversity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will work with you to support your participation.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

KEUNE. Home of the hair pro.