R&D Manager - Skincare

Atrium Staffing; Ten Mile Run (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits available

Job summary

Atrium Staffing seeks an R&D Manager – Skincare to lead development and commercialization of innovative skincare formulations, guiding bench development and coordinating cross-functional teams. Onsite direct-hire with standard hours, you will drive scalability and ensure regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years in skincare, strong formulation science knowledge, and proven leadership in product development and manufacturing transfers, with a focus on sustainability and market

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in skincare product development, formulation design and innovation.
• Experience leading product commercialization, scale-up activities, and manufacturing transfers.
• Strong knowledge of stability assessments and efficacy/claims substantiation.
• Familiarity with cosmetic regulations and raw material governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional Product Development teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of innovative skincare formulations with focus on ingredient performance and market trends.
• Guide bench development and oversee formulation optimization by technical teams.
• Research and evaluate new ingredient technologies and formulation approaches.
• Support commercialization with pilot batches, manufacturing transfers, and production trials.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Quality, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Operations, and Product Management teams.
• Ensure product stability, compatibility, and regulatory compliance standards are maintained.
• Partner with Project Management to meet development timelines and milestones.
• Lead, mentor, and develop formulation scientists and technical staff.
• Improve formulation and manufacturing processes to enhance scalability and quality.
• Support sustainability initiatives through formulation practices and ingredient selection.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, external labs, and manufacturing partners.
• Stay current on skincare trends, ingredient technologies, and cosmetic regulations.

Skills

Skincare formulation expertise

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Stability testing

Technical mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Client Overview:

Our client is a leading consumer products organization focused on innovation, quality, and performance-driven skincare solutions and is looking to hire an R&D Manager – Skincare for their Skincare division. The company is dedicated to developing high-quality products that meet evolving consumer needs while maintaining strong standards for formulation excellence, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$90k - $120k

Position Overview:

The R&D Manager – Skincare is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and commercialization of innovative skincare formulations across treatment-focused categories. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in skincare formulation science, hands-on bench development experience, and leadership capabilities within a fast-paced consumer products environment. This is an onsite direct-hire opportunity with standard working hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Responsibilities of the R&D Manager – Skincare:

• Lead the development of innovative skincare formulations focused on ingredient performance, product efficacy, and emerging market trends.
• Conduct hands-on bench development and guide Technical teams through formulation optimization activities.
• Research and evaluate new ingredient technologies and formulation approaches.
• Support commercialization activities, including pilot batches, manufacturing transfers, and production trials.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Quality, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Operations, and Product Management teams.
• Ensure product stability, compatibility, and regulatory compliance standards are maintained.
• Partner with Project Management teams to achieve development timelines and milestones.
• Lead, mentor, and develop formulation scientists and technical staff.
• Improve formulation and manufacturing processes to enhance scalability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Support sustainability initiatives through formulation practices and ingredient selection.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, external laboratories, and manufacturing partners.
• Stay current on skincare trends, ingredient technologies, and cosmetic regulations.

Required Experience/Skills for the R&D Manager – Skincare:

• 7 - 10 years of experience in skincare product development, formulation design, and innovation.
• Strong knowledge of skincare formulation science and ingredient technologies.
• Proven success leading product commercialization, scale-up activities, and manufacturing transfers.
• Strong understanding of stability assessments, compatibility evaluations, and efficacy/claims substantiation.
• Knowledge of cosmetic regulations, ingredient compliance requirements, and raw material governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing technical and cross-functional Product Development teams.
• Excellent project management, organizational, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience developing treatment-focused skincare solutions, including products for sensitive skin.
• Track record of improving manufacturing processes, operational performance, and production efficiency.
• Familiarity with sustainable product development principles and clean beauty formulation strategies.
• Strong ability to identify emerging consumer trends and translate market insights into innovation opportunities.
• Skilled at aligning scientific advancement and product innovation with business and commercial goals.
• Capable of thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative, and results-driven environment.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the R&D Manager – Skincare:

• Experience partnering closely with Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations teams to successfully bring new products to market.
• Understanding of consumer testing methodologies and the incorporation of customer insights into product development strategies.
• Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is required.

Benefits:

• Client-provided benefits available, upon eligibility.