Director of Cosmetics-Research and Development

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 130,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. in Los Angeles seeks a senior chemist leader to head the formulation, innovation, and development of color cosmetics and skincare products.

You will oversee a team of chemists and lab technicians from concept to launch, ensuring feasibility, quality, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate with Marketing to translate initial concepts into marketable products, manage multiple projects and budgets, and guide scale-up and manufacturing support for successful

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field required.
• 7+ years of cosmetic formulation experience (color and skincare).
• Past leadership or team management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of color and skincare chemists and lab technicians.
• Oversee formulation of new color cosmetics and skincare products.
• Evaluate raw materials, trends, and new technologies to drive innovation.
• Manage multiple development projects, timelines, and budgets.
• Partner with Marketing and Operations to align product development with company goals.
• Guide scale-up processes and support Manufacturing during commercialization.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, OTC (as applicable), and international cosmetic regulations.
• Oversee stability testing, safety testing, and claims substantiation.
• Maintain detailed formulas, documentation, and project records.
• Manage lab operations, equipment, and inventory.
• Enforce lab safety protocols and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemistry

Cosmetic Science

Job description

Job Description

Summary:
Lead the formulation, innovation, and development of color cosmetics and skincare products for a Cosmetics manufacturing company. Oversee a team of chemists, and collaborate closely with Marketing from initial concept to launch to ensure feasibility, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Pay range: $130,000 - $139,000

* The posted range is only one component of Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of color and skincare chemists and lab technicians
• Oversee formulation of new color cosmetics and skincare products
• Evaluate raw materials, trends, and new technologies to drive innovation
• Manage multiple development projects, timelines, and budgets
• Partner with Marketing and Operations to align product development with company goals
• Guide scale-up processes and support Manufacturing during commercialization
• Ensure compliance with FDA, OTC (as applicable), and international cosmetic regulations
• Oversee stability testing, safety testing, and claims substantiation
• Maintain detailed formulas, documentation, and project records
• Manage lab operations, equipment, and inventory
• Enforce lab safety protocols and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of cosmetic formulation experience (color and skincare required)
• Prior leadership or team management experience
• Strong knowledge of Cosmetic ingredients, raw materials, and regulations
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Strong background in color cosmetics formulation
• Experience in mid-sized cosmetics manufacturing
• Experience with clean beauty or natural formulation a plus

Company Description

Beauty is more than skin deep at Merle Norman Cosmetics. We develop, manufacture and distribute our own full line of innovative skin care, makeup and color cosmetics right here in Los Angeles. It’s our mission to help people everywhere look and feel their very best. We achieve this by creating strong bonds between our employees, franchisees and customers. Together, we represent a brand of opportunity and personal expression. When you join Merle Norman, you join a family. Become part of something beautiful today.