R&D Chemist Manager

Hire Resolve; KwaMakhutha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Hire Resolve, a leading South African consumer goods manufacturer, is seeking an R&D Chemist Manager to oversee product development, innovation, and laboratory operations from concept to commercialization in cosmetics and personal care.

You will lead a team of scientists, drive formulation development, scale-up to production, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage raw materials and supplier relations, while delivering high-quality products aligned with market trends.

Qualifications

• Degree in Cosmetic Science or BSc in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science.
• Proven experience in formulation development within cosmetics/personal care manufacturing.
• Experience leading laboratory teams and overseeing R&D operations.
• Strong knowledge of emulsions, stability testing, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, formulate, and optimize cosmetic products from concept to commercialization.
• Lead and develop the R&D team, ensure safety, and drive continuous professional development.
• Oversee projects from stage-gate development to full-scale production with timelines and quality.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for local and international standards across products.
• Scale lab formulations to production, coordinating with manufacturing and QA teams.
• Evaluate new raw materials, negotiate specs with suppliers, and manage cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Formulation development

Laboratory leadership

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Education

Cosmetic Science degree

Job description

A leading South African consumer goods manufacturer is seeking a talented R&D Chemist Manager to oversee product development, innovation, and laboratory operations.

In this pivotal role, you will drive the creation of high-quality cosmetic and personal care products from concept to commercialization, leading a dedicated team of scientists in an advanced research and development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development & Formulations: Design, formulate, and optimize innovative personal care and cosmetic products in alignment with market trends and client specifications.

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and guide R&D laboratory staff to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and continuous professional development.

• Project Management: Oversee formulation projects from stage-gate development to full-scale production, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.

• Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all raw materials, testing protocols, and finished products comply with relevant local and international industry regulations and safety standards.

• Process Scale-Up: Collaborate closely with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to seamlessly transition laboratory formulations to full production scale.

• Raw Material & Supplier Management: Evaluate new raw materials, negotiate technical specs with suppliers, and manage cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product efficacy.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Cosmetic Science, preferably a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science.

• Experience: Proven experience in formulation development within the cosmetic or personal care manufacturing sector.

• Leadership: Demonstrated background in managing laboratory teams and overseeing R&D operations.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of raw material interactions, emulsion technology, stability testing, and regulatory requirements in cosmetic science.

• Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, excellent project management capabilities, and clear communication skills.

Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.