Senior R&D Technical Project Manager

Bath & Body Works; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Bath & Body Works seeks a Senior Technical Project Manager for its R&D team in Columbus, OH. The role leads formulation development for medium to high complexity projects, partnering with contract manufacturers and fragrance houses to deliver innovative personal care products.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in formulation development within cosmetics, strong PM skills, and a track record of cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on formulation development experience in an R&D laboratory.
• Formulation experience in Personal Care/Beauty Cosmetics required.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers from development through scale-up.
• Understanding of global cosmetics regulations and material compliance preferred.
• Experience in project management preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, initiative, and adaptability.
• Sophisticated communication skills (verbal, written, presentation).
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end formulation development from concept to launch.
• Serve as technical lead and decision-maker for projects with cross-functional teams.
• Develop prototypes and commercial formulas with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Conduct hands-on formulation work to support research and optimization.
• Identify and resolve formulation stability, compatibility and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Safety, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing teams.
• Evaluate new technologies, raw materials, and formulation approaches for innovation.
• Lead technical discussions in cross-functional commercialization and leadership meetings.
• Build relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers to meet objectives.
• Monitor industry trends and translate insights into development strategies.
• Mentor junior team members and support multiple projects.

Skills

Formulation development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related

Job description

At Bath & Body Works, we believe everybody deserves to feel good. When you join us, you're part of more than an iconic fragrance and personal care brand — you become part of Gingham Nation, where people are at the center of everything we do.

We believe great associate experiences create great consumer experiences. When our associates feel supported, inspired and empowered, consumers feel it. Whether you're starting your career or building your next chapter, we invest in your growth so you can learn, lead and help create feel good moments every day.

We are seeking a dedicated and determined R&D Senior Technical Project Manager to join our dynamic and evolving Research and Development team. This role leads technical development through contract manufacturing partners while acting as the primary formulation expert and cross-functional liaison. The role requires deep formulation expertise, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver commercially successful products. We are an innovative team of technical project managers that are agile, passionate and curious to innovate and implement brand relevant personal care & beauty products. The ideal associate must have the creative and technical know-how to collaborate, problem solve and deliver results with a project management mentality.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end formulation development and commercialization of medium to high complexity projects, from concept and brief kickoff through development, scale-up, launch, and post-launch support.
• Serve as the technical lead and primary decision-maker for assigned projects, providing strategic direction, technical recommendations, risk assessments, and mitigation plans to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
• Develop prototypes and commercial formulas in partnership with contract manufacturers, fragrance houses, raw material suppliers, and internal teams to achieve performance, quality, regulatory, cost, and timeline objectives.
• Conduct hands-on formulation work internally to support research initiatives, formula optimization, performance enhancement, troubleshooting, competitive benchmarking, and evaluation of new technologies and ingredients.
• Identify, assess, and resolve technical challenges related to formulation stability, compatibility, manufacturability, quality, and product performance; develop and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Partner closely with Fragrance Development, Merchandising, Packaging, Regulatory, Safety, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, Legal, and Commercialization teams to deliver products on time and within scope.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, raw materials, and formulation approaches to support innovation, product claims, efficacy improvements, cost optimization, and competitive advantage.
• Lead technical discussions and represent R&D in cross-functional commercialization, development, and leadership alignment meetings.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with external suppliers, technology partners, and contract manufacturers to support innovation and product development objectives.
• Monitor industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes, translating insights into product development strategies and innovation opportunities.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior team members; may lead development activities across multiple projects and support less experienced technical project managers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, department best practices, and strategic R&D programs that enhance innovation, operational efficiency, and development capabilities.
• Support talent development through participation in recruiting, onboarding, training, and team development activities.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of hands-on formulation development experience in an R&D laboratory
• Formulation experience in Personal Care and/or Beauty Cosmetics is required (Cleansing, Body Care, Skincare, preferred)
• Experience working closely with a contract manufacturer from development through scale-up
• Understanding of global cosmetics regulations and raw material compliance preferred
• Experience in project management preferred
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to make choices
• Displays a feeling of vitality to take initiative; ability to adapt and embrace change
• Sophisticated level of communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation); able to clearly communicate technical content
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skill

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline

Core Competencies

• Drives Results
• Action Oriented
• Decision Making
• Nimble Learning

Feeling good starts with you. We invest in benefits that support your well-being, growth and future, helping you thrive as a creator of feel good — every day. Benefits for eligible associates include:

• Robust medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage. Plus, access to our onsite wellness center and pharmacy located at the Columbus, OH home office.
• No-cost mental health and well-being support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) with company match and Associate Stock Purchase Program with discount.
• Opportunity for paid time off, paid parental leave and access to family building benefits.
• Home, auto and pet insurance and a company-provided Care.com subscription.
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education.
• Enjoy complimentary products and a 40% merchandise discount so you can experience and share the brand you love.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws. Please see links: Los Angeles Fair Chance In Hiring Ordinance, Philadelphia Fair Chance Law, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Washington Fair Chance Act Guide

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning nondiscriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, associate activities and general treatment during employment. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States. Application window will close when all vacancy/vacancies are filled.