Head of Research & Development Formulation (Contract)

nextSource; Paramus (NJ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) retirement planning

Discount program

Job summary

nextSource is seeking a Senior Head of Research & Development Formulation in Paramus, NJ to lead BeautyLab’s R&D, formulation, regulatory, and technical activities. The role oversees workflow design, KPI reporting, and collaboration with Leadership, Commercial, Product Execution, Quality and Formula Innovation.

The position calls for 8+ years in beauty or related fields and 5+ years leading an R&D or lab team, with strong communication and cost-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or related industries.
• 5+ years of experience leading an R&D, formulation, or laboratory team.
• Working knowledge of cosmetic formulation, product development, contract manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and commercialization.
• Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Experience building operational systems, KPIs, and business processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead BeautyLab’s R&D, formulation, regulatory, and technical activities.
• Build and maintain workflows, KPI reporting, and process improvement for the R&D function.
• Oversee formula development, stability, compatibility, scale-up, and commercialization support.
• Provide scientific expertise in customer meetings, innovation sessions, and technical presentations.
• Support pricing discussions through technical and formulation cost assessments.
• Provide technical guidance and feasibility recommendations on customer programs.
• Manage laboratory resources, suppliers, contract manufacturers, and technical partners.
• Support sustainability and PPWR readiness initiatives.

Skills

R&D leadership

Cosmetics formulation

Regulatory compliance

Customer communication

KPIs & processes

Tools

Laboratory systems

Job description

6-MONTH CONTRACT

Dates: October 26, 2026 – April 25, 2027

Location: Paramus, NJ 07652

Schedule: Mon – Fri | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pay Rate: $62.50/hour

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Research & Development Formulation leads BeautyLab’s Research & Development function, including formulation development, regulatory activities, laboratory operations, and technical services supporting the company’s formula business.

This role is a senior scientific and technical lead for the organization and is responsible for laboratory systems, KPIs, and cross-functional alignment with Leadership, Commercial, Product Execution, Quality and Formula Innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead BeautyLab’s R&D, formulation, regulatory, and technical activities.
• Build and maintain workflows, KPI reporting, and process improvement for the R&D function.
• Oversee formula development, stability, compatibility, scale-up, and commercialization support.
• Provide scientific expertise in customer meetings, innovation sessions, and technical presentations.
• Support pricing discussions through technical and formulation cost assessments.
• Provide technical guidance and feasibility recommendations on customer programs.
• Manage laboratory resources, suppliers, contract manufacturers, and technical partners.
• Support sustainability and PPWR readiness initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Formula Innovation: Leads formulation capabilities and scientific execution.
• Quality: Coordinates with quality and technical oversight functions to ensure products meet quality, safety, and compliance standards.
• Product Execution: Supports launch readiness, commercialization, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Commercial Team: Provides technical expertise, pricing guidance, customer support, and feasibility assessments.
• Leadership Team: Provides visibility into R&D performance, resources, risks, and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of experience in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or related industries.
• 5+ years of experience leading an R&D, formulation, or laboratory team.
• Working knowledge of cosmetic formulation, product development, contract manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and commercialization.
• Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Experience building operational systems, KPIs, and business processes preferred.

ENGAGEMENT TERMS:

• W2 only
• No C2C or third-party agencies/suppliers
• No work authorization sponsorship now or in the future

nextSource is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and AffFitive Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure, and life experiences, or for any other reason.

nextSource is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures.If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

What nextSource Provides:

• Healthcare Benefits including Medical, Prescription, Vision & Dental Coverage | United Healthcare
• Voluntary STD & LTD | New York Life
• 401(k) Retirement Planning | Fidelity
• Discount Program

*You are Eligible to participate in the benefits program if you are considered a full-time employee of nextSource, working at least 30 hours per week on a consistent basis.Your coverage will be effective on the 1stof the month following 60 days of employment.