R&D Manager

Caliscc; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Caliscc in Culver City, CA is seeking an experienced Research and Development Manager to lead hair, skincare, and color formula development for multiple brands. You will oversee the lab team, manage operations, formulate, and organize materials to ensure a seamless development process while mentoring staff.

The role requires strong formulation expertise, leadership, and project management in a fast-changing environment. In-person work at the Los Angeles area office is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cosmetic science, chemistry, biology, or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 5+ years in a cosmetic lab with supervisory experience.
• Ability to work in-person at Los Angeles office five days a week.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor R&D lab staff across the team.
• Partner with leadership on client-facing projects and document notes.
• Present department projects to leadership on a routine basis.
• Oversee batching/creation of formulas (color, hair, body, skin, home) within timelines.
• Communicate priorities and timelines to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Design formulas and product chassis meeting performance, cost, and efficiency targets.
• Manage equipment calibration schedules and lab maintenance duties.

Skills

Formulation expertise

Leadership

Attention to detail

Cross-functional

Project management

Math and problem-solving

Independent ownership

Education

Cosmetic science degree

Chemistry

Biology

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

TITLE: Research and Development Manager ($120k - $140k)

• The Research and Development (R&D) Manager will lead hair, skincare and color formula development for multiple brands. This role is responsible for overseeing the lab team members, managing lab operations, formulating, and directing the organization of raw materials, files, equipment and supplies to ensure a seamless formula development process. The position will manage lab staff, oversee batching and routine testing, and manage day-to-day lab operations while mentoring and guiding the R&D team. The candidate should have strong formulation expertise, ability to present projects to leadership and clients, proven problem-solving ability, a solid background in chemistry, strong attention to detail, and demonstrated leadership and project management experience in a fast-paced environment that changes quickly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise, train, and mentor R&D lab staff and coordinate workload across the team
• Partner with leadership and clients on client-facing projects, ensuring notes and key details are accurately documented for future reference
• Present department projects and their status's routinely to leadership
• Oversee and direct the batching/creation of formulas (color, hair, body, skin, home, etc.) from scratch and/or benchmarks within established timelines
• Communicate with the leadership and cross-functional teams on lab priorities, timelines, ongoing needs, and suggestions to better the department
• Demonstrate expertise in designing formulas and product chassis that meet performance, cost, and efficiency targets.
• Manage equipment calibration schedules and lab maintenance duties
• Own and manage lab SOPs ensure that they are maintained and followed
• Establish and enforce routine laboratory housekeeping standards and day-to-day operations of the laboratory
• Oversee ordering, logging, and tracking raw material samples
• Manage supplier relationships and raw material documentation requests
• Maintain oversight of raw material inventory, documentation, pricing, and lead times
• Ensure cleanliness standards for lab, equipment, and glassware are maintained daily
• Manage lab supplies and packaging inventory
• Oversee packaging and labeling of samples by team members to send out to clients
• Review and manage data entry processes, as needed using our systems
• Support and guide other department team members on projects for all clients
• Assist in the Technical Operations team's Tech Transfer to third party manufacturers with fully supported formulation
• Respond promptly to verbal and written requests from leadership, providing timely and efficient support as needed
• Support hiring, performance reviews, and professional development of lab staff

SKILLS

• Extensive personal care and home care formulation experience
• o Hair, Face, body, color, home
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team in a fast-paced environment
• Great attention to detail and record keeping
• Strong leadership skills with ability to work cross-functionally to drive results
• Strong organization, communication, and delegation skills
• Shows constant initiative and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of team outcomes
• Exceptional math, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to develop and refine formulas and procedures for the team to follow
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously at various stages of the development process
• Ability to pivot team priorities quickly due to client's dynamic nature

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong scientific background with a bachelor's degree in cosmetic science, chemistry, biology, or related discipline required; advanced degree a plus
• 5+ years of experience working in a cosmetic lab, including prior supervisory or management experience
• Ability to work in-person at Los Angeles office five days a week
• Strong computer knowledge including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint