R&D Manager

O'Brien Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to oversee lab activities and manage projects related to alternative raw materials and packaging changes. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor of Science degree and extensive experience in a cosmetic R&D environment, including managerial roles. This position offers an opportunity to lead a team and contribute to product development and commercial launches.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 - 8 years in a cosmetic R&D environment.
• At least 5 years of managerial experience in R&D.
• Proven track record of managing projects and staying within budget.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all R&D lab activities and project plans.
• Manage projects related to regulatory compliance and packaging changes.
• Chair weekly project meetings with the Head of R&D.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Lab activities oversight

Education

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a relevant scientific field

Coschem Diploma

Post graduate qualification in Project Management

Job description

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 Performance Areas

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.