Cosmetic Technical Manager

56400Cb1-3A2C-4233-9A2C-7E10Be65Cc00; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturing business in Cape Town seeks an experienced Technical Manager to oversee the R&D, Technical, Regulatory, and Quality systems functions for personal care and cosmetic products. The ideal candidate will have a background in scientific disciplines, extensive experience in the FMCG sector, and a strong grasp of regulatory requirements. This role offers a competitive remuneration package, reflective of expertise and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–6 years' experience in cosmetic or personal care product development.
• Strong working knowledge of CTFA guidelines and local cosmetic regulations.
• Experience managing GMP, QMS, and audit compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D function with accountability for innovation pipeline delivery.
• Provide oversight and performance management of R&D and QC laboratories.
• Act as the company's Regulatory Authority Representative.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Technical reporting

Problem-solving

Education

BSc Chemistry

BTech Cosmetic Science

Job description

Technical Manager – Personal Care & Cosmetics

Location

Paarden Eiland, Cape Town

Industry

FMCG / Personal Care Manufacturing

Overview

A well-established manufacturing business supplying personal care and cosmetic FMCG products to major South African retailers is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to manage its R&D, Technical, Regulatory, and Quality systems functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Development Leadership
  • Lead the R&D function with accountability for innovation pipeline delivery, resource planning, performance management, and workflow prioritisation.
  • Translate marketing briefs into scientifically sound formulation strategies aligned with cost, performance, and brand objectives.
  • Establish and enforce best‑practice R&D standards, documentation, and laboratory processes.
  • Provide coaching and technical mentorship to Development & Research Chemist and laboratory staff.
  • Lead development of all new personal care products per approved briefs.
  • Ensure product files are opened and maintained with accurate, complete technical documentation.
  • Oversee raw material feasibility research, ingredient selection, and supplier evaluations.
  • Manage all required product testing, including stability, compatibility, challenge, dermatological, and user trials.
  • Liaise collaboratively with the Buyer and Development Chemist on raw material sourcing, alternatives, and risk mitigation.
  • Review and troubleshoot formulation challenges, deviations, or performance concerns.
  • Manage and approve raw material changes necessitated by supply or regulatory updates.
  • Own costings for all new products and cost optimisation initiatives, reviewing and approving changes in costings arising from fluctuations or supply issues.
  • Ensure preparation and external distribution of professionally presented samples for testing and evaluation.
  • Ensure QC receives final product standards and written specifications once pilot batches are approved.
  • Deliver final, compliant ingredient listings for artwork.
  • Coordinate artwork approval with all stakeholders and ensure alignment with regulations.
  • Approve and sign off manufacturing instructions and final product standard before handover to Production and Quality.
• Laboratory Oversight (R&D Laboratory & QC Laboratory)
  • Provide leadership and performance oversight to R&D and QC teams.
  • Ensure alignment between laboratory capabilities and company growth plans.
  • Develop training plans, SOPs, and competency matrices for laboratory staff.
  • Drive a culture of scientific excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure all new products undergo required testing including stability, compatibility, challenge etc.; review and sign off results.
  • Ensure claims validation processes are followed and that all required user trial, clinical and other necessary testing is complete with validated results.
  • Approve final formulas and ensure accurate documentation on the system, including weekly test results and manufacturing instructions.
  • Provide oversight, guidance and performance management of the QC laboratory.
• Regulatory Affairs Management
  • Act as the company's Regulatory Authority Representative, both locally and internationally.
  • Lead regulatory intelligence activities, ensuring proactive identification of changes impacting formulations, artwork, and compliance.
  • Ensure team adherence to documentation standards and regulatory SOPs.
  • Provide regulatory guidance to cross‑functional teams.
  • Maintain and update all product files and flag future changes due to regulatory or supply risks.
  • Create new product files according to internal procedure and keep all existing product files current.
• Manufacturing Support & Scale‑Up
  • Strengthen cross‑functional collaboration between Technical and Production teams.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives in scale‑up, batch consistency, and technical issue resolution.
  • Support the development of technical training for Production teams.
  • Support Manufacturing in troubleshooting technical issues during production batches.
  • Recommend necessary formula or process adjustments.
  • Ensure final approval of Production Standards.
• Compliance, Governance & Quality Management Systems
  • Own the end‑to‑end QMS structure, ensuring alignment with business objectives, retailer requirements, and global best practices.
  • Lead audits (internal & external) and drive corrective / preventative actions (CAPA).
  • Ensure robust systems for complaints handling, traceability, and documentation control.
  • Maintain alignment with CTFA, EU / UK cosmetics regulations, and all local legal requirements.
  • Manage the full complaints‑handling system, root‑cause investigations, CAPA, and reporting.
  • Set GMP standards, internal audit schedules, and oversee all GMP audits.
  • Communicate retailer, licensor, and regulatory requirements across the organisation.
  • Provide training on continuous improvement methods and regulatory updates.
  • Oversee regulatory compliance, artwork changes, legal updates, environmental regulations, and cross‑department training and communication.
• Export Regulatory Management
  • Lead export regulatory strategy across multiple regions.
  • Manage liaison with external consultants or regulatory specialists for international compliance.
  • Coordinate product or artwork changes required for export market compliance.
  • Prepare, issue, and verify export documentation.
• Leadership & Soft Skills Expectations
  • Strong leadership with the ability to coach and develop technical teams.
  • Excellent cross‑functional communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
  • High level of scientific rigor, problem‑solving capability, and decision‑making.
  • Ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks and translate them into business‑friendly processes.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with strong attention to detail.

Remuneration

Remuneration : R… monthly depending on experience

Requirements

• BSc Chemistry, BTech Cosmetic Science, or equivalent scientific degree.
• Cosmetology or Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Science.
• Minimum 4–6 years' experience in cosmetic or personal care product development, R&D, technical operations, or regulatory affairs within the South African FMCG sector.
• Strong working knowledge of CTFA guidelines, local cosmetic regulations, and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
• Experience managing or contributing to GMP, QMS, and audit compliance in a South African manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience in laboratory oversight, stability testing, microbiological requirements, and product safety compliance.
• Strong project management, documentation, and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams, including Marketing, Production, Procurement, and Quality.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, strong problem‑solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Willingness to stay up to date with EU cosmetic regulations and interpret the impact for the South African market.