Senior Hair Color Innovation Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Generous pension plan

27 vacation days per year

30% tax ruling for non-Dutch employees

Job summary

Keune HairCosmetics, a leader in the professional hairdressing sector, seeks an experienced Senior Hair Color Innovation Specialist to lead color formulation projects from concept to market in Amsterdam. You will mentor team members and collaborate across functions to deliver high-performance, compliant products.

You will apply cutting-edge color science, identify new ingredients, and guide strategic innovations while aligning with sustainability goals and corporate values.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field required.
• 7+ years in the formulation and development of hair dyes; experience with bleaches is a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of bringing cosmetic products to market.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• 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 new ingredients, technologies and trends in hair color science to drive innovation.
• Conduct patent searches and assess freedom to operate to support 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.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvements and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

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

Job description

Keune HairCosmetics, a leader in the professional hairdressing sector, is seeking to strengthen its innovation team with an experienced R&D professional with extensive knowledge and experience in the formulation of its professional hair color products. The role of SENIOR HAIR COLOR INNOVATION SPECIALIST requires leading projects, driving innovation, mentoring team members, and collaborating across functions to deliver exceptional products.

ABOUT KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS

Founded in 1922 in Amsterdam, Keune HairCosmetics is a proudly family-owned Dutch company dedicated to the art and science of professional haircare. Over more than a century, Keune has grown from a small apothecary into one of the world’s most respected haircare brands, distributed in over 90 countries.

Keune HairCosmetics is both a brand, Keune, dedicated to the professional salon sector with direct-to-salon and distributor markets, and a contract manufacturer. Every Keune product is conceived, developed and produced at the company’s headquarters in Soest, the Netherlands, ensuring consistent quality and innovation rooted in in-house expertise.

Science and creativity are at the heart of everything Keune does. Its portfolio spans colour, care, and styling, with each formula designed to combine exceptional performance with gentle, sustainable ingredients. As a certified B Corporation, Keune upholds the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility — from cruelty-free testing to responsible sourcing and packaging.

Guided by their new CEO, Philip Berlijn, Keune continues to expand internationally while remaining true to its founding values: craftsmanship, integrity, and care. The company fosters a warm, collaborative culture that feels like family, empowering stylists worldwide to express creativity and confidence.

Today, Keune stands for much more than great hair — it represents a commitment to beauty that is ethical, enduring, family-focused and unmistakably Dutch.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Professional Experience

• 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.

Personality & Culture Fit

• Collaborative and relationship-driven.
• Naturally curious and continuously seeking improvement opportunities.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Comfortable making decisions in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
• Values quality, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Thrives in a family-owned business culture that combines entrepreneurial spirit with long-term thinking.
• Enjoys building structure, creating clarity, and driving business performance through planning excellence

SALARY & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Highly competitive fixed and performance-based variable salary
• Travel allowance
• 27 vacation days per year (based on full-time employment)
• Extremely advantageous pension plan
• For non-Dutch-based candidates, 1) we offer relocation support (1 month's salary) & 2) you will be eligible for "The 30% Tax Ruling" (https://www.government.nl/themes/taxes-benefits-and-allowances/income-tax/shortening-30-percent-ruling)