Lead Beauty Product Development Chemist

Placements24; Cape Town; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a Lead Beauty Product Development Chemist to head a remote-first R&D division creating innovative cosmetic formulations. You will oversee a global team from ideation to production, ensuring efficacy, stability, and regulatory compliance from your home office in the Cape Town region.

The role requires 7+ years in cosmetic development with at least 2 years in leadership, strong regulatory knowledge, and exceptional communication skills to coordinate with marketing, regulatory

Formación

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 7 years in cosmetic product development with 2 years in leadership.
• Proven ability to lead a remote technical team and launch new products.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the R&D of innovative cosmetic and skincare formulations ensuring efficacy, stability, and safety.
• Mentor remote team of R&D scientists and formulators; manage timelines and deliverables.
• Conduct literature reviews and patent searches for new ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for scalable product launches.
• Collaborate with marketing and consumer insights to define concepts and performance claims.
• Oversee pilot batches, scale-up, and troubleshoot formulation challenges.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with trends in cosmetic science and sustainability.

Conocimientos

Remote leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Educación

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the global beauty and wellness sector, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Beauty Product Development Chemist to join their esteemed, remote-first research and development division. This position is crucial for driving the creation of groundbreaking cosmetic formulations that align with market trends and consumer demands for efficacy and safety. You will lead a virtual team of scientists and formulators, guiding the entire product lifecycle from ideation through to final production. This role requires a strong scientific background, a keen understanding of cosmetic chemistry principles, and the ability to translate creative concepts into commercially viable products. As a remote employee, you will leverage advanced digital collaboration tools and maintain close communication with cross‑functional teams, including marketing, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. We are looking for a visionary leader who is passionate about innovation and dedicated to shaping the future of beauty through scientific excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on a global scale from the convenience of your home office, based in the vibrant Cape Town region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of innovative cosmetic and skincare formulations, ensuring product efficacy, stability, and safety.
• Manage and mentor a remote team of R&D scientists and formulators, overseeing project timelines and deliverables.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews and patent searches to identify new ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new product launches, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and consumer insights teams to define product concepts and performance claims.
• Oversee pilot batch production and scale-up activities, troubleshooting any formulation or processing challenges.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with emerging trends in cosmetic science, ingredients, and sustainable practices.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in cosmetic product development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulating a wide range of cosmetic products (skincare, color cosmetics, hair care).
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, their functions, safety profiles, and regulatory status.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a remote technical team.
• Excellent project management skills with a track record of successfully launching new products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU Cosmetic Regulation).

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses. As part of our remote-first culture, you will benefit from the flexibility to work from your preferred location, supported by a robust digital infrastructure. We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced training programs, scientific conferences, and ongoing education. You'll be part of a collaborative and innovative R&D environment, with ample resources to fuel your scientific curiosity. Furthermore, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that impact the beauty landscape globally, contributing to the success of our brands in Cape Town and beyond. Enjoy a generous paid time off policy and employee discounts on our product lines.