Research And Development Manager

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Kentucky; On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom seeks an experienced Personal Care Research & Development Manager to lead product development, regulatory compliance, testing, and continuous improvement in the R&D department. Oversees cosmetic product development from concept to commercialization while ensuring GMP and regulatory adherence.

You will lead formulation for hair color, skincare, and other personal care products, manage the R&D team, and ensure thorough documentation and testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Proven management or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic product development, GMP, regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Coptis or similar RD software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and product development for hair color, skincare, and other personal care products.
• Manage R&D staff, laboratory workflow, training, performance, and safety.
• Oversee product testing, formula validation, pilot batches, and new component testing.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, and global regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and review regulatory submissions, labeling, and compliance documentation.
• Develop SOPs, compliance programs, and corrective action plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality and laboratory processes.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service teams.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, documentation, chemical information, and regulatory databases.
• Support R&D budgeting, capital improvements, and department planning.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Organization

Time-management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Coptis (or similar RD software)

Job description

Personal Care Research & Development Manager

We are seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead product development, regulatory compliance, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D department of a personal care/cosmetics manufacturing company in Indianapolis. This role will oversee the development of cosmetic products from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with GMP and domestic and international regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formulation and product development for hair color, styling, skincare, and other personal care products.
• Manage R&D staff, laboratory workflow, training, performance, and safety.
• Oversee product testing, formula validation, pilot batches, and new component testing.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, and applicable global regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and review regulatory submissions, product labeling, and compliance documentation.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, compliance programs, and corrective action plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, laboratory processes, efficiency, and risk management.
• Partner with Quality, Production, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service teams to support business and customer needs.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, documentation, chemical information, and regulatory databases.
• Support R&D budgeting, capital improvements, and department planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Proven management or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic product development, GMP, regulatory compliance, and laboratory practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Coptis or similar R&D software is a plus.

Ideal Candidate:

A hands-on, detail-oriented leader who combines strong technical expertise with regulatory knowledge and a passion for innovation, product quality, and continuous improvement.

This is a direct hire opportunity with salary commensurate upon level of applicable experience.