Lead Cosmetic Product Developer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Executive bonus

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development

International conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Cosmetic Product Developer to head the end-to-end development of cosmetic and skincare products in a remote role. You will guide a team of chemists and technicians, drive formulation excellence, and ensure market-ready launches from concept to commercialization.

You will oversee benchtop testing, stability studies, and scale-up, while collaborating with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to seize opportunities and maintain compliance with global

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive cosmetic product development experience, with 3+ years in leadership.
• Track record of developing and launching diverse cosmetic products.
• Extensive knowledge of formulation science, raw materials, and manufacturing in beauty.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire product development process for new cosmetic and skincare products, from ideation to market launch.
• Mentor and manage a team of product development chemists and technicians.
• Oversee formulation development, benchtop testing, stability studies, and scale-up processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to ensure product success.
• Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and trend forecasting to identify opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with international safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Present development strategies and results to senior management.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources to meet objectives.
• Build relationships with ingredient suppliers and testing labs.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and ingredients in development.

Skills

Cosmetic science

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's in Cosmetic Science

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Formulation databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized innovator in the beauty and personal care industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Cosmetic Product Developer for a fully remote position. This critical role will spearhead the innovation and development of new cosmetic products from concept to commercialization. You will lead a team of talented product developers, driving the creation of cutting-edge formulations that meet market demands and exceed consumer expectations. As a remote-first leader, you will leverage digital collaboration tools and possess exceptional leadership skills to guide your team effectively. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of beauty products while enjoying the flexibility of a home-based work environment, contributing significantly to our client's renowned product pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the entire product development process for new cosmetic and skincare products, from ideation to market launch.
• Manage and mentor a team of product development chemists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Oversee formulation development, benchtop testing, stability studies, and scale-up processes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing to ensure successful product execution.
• Conduct thorough market research, competitor analysis, and trend forecasting to identify new product opportunities.
• Ensure all product developments comply with international safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Present product development strategies, progress, and results to senior management.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to meet development objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ingredient suppliers and external testing labs.
• Champion innovation and the adoption of new technologies and ingredients within the development process.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in cosmetic product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching a diverse range of cosmetic products.
• Extensive knowledge of formulation science, raw materials, and manufacturing processes in the beauty industry.
• Deep understanding of global cosmetic regulations (e.g., FDA, EU REACH, SAHPRA).
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and project management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, effective in a remote setting.
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment and relevant software (e.g., formulation databases).
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a remote environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to work from your preferred location. Our client provides a highly competitive executive-level salary, supplemented by significant annual bonuses tied to performance and innovation. You will have access to comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid and retirement provisions. Opportunities for advanced professional development include leadership training programs, attending international industry conferences, and access to cutting-edge research. Join a world-renowned company at the forefront of beauty innovation and lead a talented team dedicated to creating the next generation of iconic beauty products. This role offers the chance to make a substantial impact on a global scale while enjoying the benefits of remote work.