R&D Manager

O'Brien Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks an experienced R&D Manager to oversee lab activities and project management in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Science in a relevant field, at least 6-8 years of experience in cosmetic R&D, and strong managerial skills. Responsibilities include managing projects, mentoring the R&D team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role offers an opportunity to lead in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field with Coschem Diploma / Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation and a post graduate qualification in Project Management.
• A minimum of 6 - 8 years in a cosmetic R&D environment, at least 5 years of managerial experience in an R&D environment.
• Proven track record of managing projects, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all R&D lab activities, including setting weekly plans and monitoring progress.
• Manage projects related to regulatory compliance, changes in raw materials, new packaging, and product promotions.
• Chair weekly project tracker meetings, providing clear feedback to the Head of R&D and the broader team.
• Draft and approve departmental SOPs to ensure high standards and efficiency are maintained.
• Troubleshoot and collaborate with the Manufacturing and QA teams to resolve batch failures, reworks, and customer complaints.
• Administration of all documentation from Operational and Stability Chemists to internal and external stakeholders.
• BOM maintenance on Syspro.
• MMI storage, archiving, updating, and issuing.
• Control of IEP/CEP samples and reports.
• Manage and mentor the R&D team, conducting performance appraisals and identifying training needs.
• Ensure that Operational Chemist & Lab Assistants are adequately trained to take NPD and formula upgrade products forward once the project reaches commercial batch manufacturing stage.
• Team administration, including time and attendance monitoring and maintaining discipline.
• Support the Head of R&D in setting and monitoring the departmental budget.
• Manage departmental resources, including the purchasing of consumables and evaluating new equipment.
• Ensure accurate compilation of raw material files and other key documentation.
• Prepare and present monthly statistical reports to the Head of R&D.

Job description

Overview

R&D MANAGER

The R&D Manager is responsible for managing the R&D lab activities and for project management related to alternative raw materials, packaging changes, stability testing and post NPD to commercial launches. The successful incumbent will report to the Head of R&D.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all R&D lab activities, including setting weekly plans and monitoring progress.

• Manage projects related to regulatory compliance, changes in raw materials, new packaging, and product promotions.

• Chair weekly project tracker meetings, providing clear feedback to the Head of R&D and the broader team.

• Draft and approve departmental SOPs to ensure high standards and efficiency are maintained.

• Troubleshoot and collaborate with the Manufacturing and QA teams to resolve batch failures, reworks, and customer complaints.

• Administration of all documentation from Operational and Stability Chemists to internal and external stakeholders.

• BOM maintenance on Syspro.

• MMI storage, archiving, updating, and issuing.

• Control of IEP/CEP samples and reports.

• Manage and mentor the R&D team, conducting performance appraisals and identifying training needs.

• Ensure that Operational Chemist & Lab Assistants are adequately trained to take NPD and formula upgrade products forward once the project reaches commercial batch manufacturing stage.

• Team administration, including time and attendance monitoring and maintaining discipline.

• Support the Head of R&D in setting and monitoring the departmental budget.

• Manage departmental resources, including the purchasing of consumables and evaluating new equipment.

• Ensure accurate compilation of raw material files and other key documentation.

• Prepare and present monthly statistical reports to the Head of R&D.

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field with Coschem Diploma / Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation and a post graduate qualification in Project Management.

• A minimum of 6 - 8 years in a cosmetic R&D environment, at least 5 years of managerial experience in an R&D environment.

• Proven track record of managing projects, meeting deadlines, and staying within budget.