R&D Manager: Cosmetics Formulation & Innovation Lead

Dixie Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Dixie Recruitment client, a well-established cosmetics manufacturer in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead formulation development from concept to commercialisation.

You will translate briefs into viable products, oversee lab and prototype work, ensure robust scale-up, support claims with data, and drive cross-functional launches with production and QA teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on formulation experience in cosmetics or personal care.
• Proven track record taking products from concept to production.
• Strong lab-to-production scale-up experience.
• Skilled in formulation troubleshooting and stability testing.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards for the industry.
• Experience leading R&D teams and mentoring junior staff.
• Familiarity with evaluating new raw materials and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new product formulations from concept through to commercialisation.
• Translate briefs into feasible, commercially viable products.
• Oversee laboratory formulation and prototype development with robust formulations.
• Research new ingredients and technologies to foster innovation.
• Benchmark competitors and identify opportunities for product improvement.
• Manage formulation stability, efficacy, manufacturability and costs.
• Support product claims with technical evidence and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with production teams for smooth lab-to-manufacturing transfer.
• Develop and optimise manufacturing methods and resolve processing issues.
• Manage external laboratories for testing and validation.
• Evaluate raw materials and supplier relationships for sourcing options.
• Lead, support and mentor the R&D team for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for launches and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Formulation

Cosmetics

Scale-up

Troubleshooting

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Mentoring

Supplier management

New material evaluation

Job description

Dixie Recruitment client, a well-established cosmetics manufacturer in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, seeks an experienced R&D Manager to lead formulation development from concept to commercialisation.

You will translate briefs into viable products, oversee lab and prototype work, ensure robust scale-up, support claims with data, and drive cross-functional launches with production and QA teams.