Remote Skincare & Product Development Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Remote Skincare & Product Development Specialist in South Africa. You will lead end-to-end skincare development from ideation to launch, collaborating with R&D, marketing, and supply chain.

You bring a PhD/Masters in Chemistry/Cosmetic Science, 7+ years in the beauty industry, and a proven track record of launches. This remote role offers flexibility and global impact from Stellenbosch or anywhere in SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmacy or related scientific field (required).
• 7+ years of progressive skincare product development experience in beauty industry.
• Proven track record of launching multiple skincare products from concept to market.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation science, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with international cosmetic regulations and testing requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and ability to work remotely with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and data analysis.
• Understanding of consumer insights and market dynamics in beauty sector.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation and conceptualization of new skincare products based on market trends and insights.
• Research ingredients, formulations and technologies to ensure efficacy and safety.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and R&D during formulation and scale-up.
• Develop product briefs, technical specifications, and performance testing protocols.
• Perform competitive analysis and market research to identify opportunities and gaps.
• Ensure compliance with cosmetic regulations and industry standards.
• Work with marketing to develop product claims, narratives and launch strategies.
• Review stability testing, compatibility studies and safety assessments.
• Manage project timelines and budgets to ensure timely launches.
• Stay ahead of global skincare trends and consumer preferences.

Skills

Cosmetic Chemistry

Product Development

Regulatory Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Remote Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking beauty brand known for its innovative skincare solutions, is actively seeking a highly experienced Remote Skincare & Product Development Specialist. This role is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a crucial role in the entire lifecycle of skincare product development, from ideation and formulation research to market analysis and launch strategy. We are looking for a candidate with a profound understanding of cosmetic chemistry, ingredient efficacy, regulatory requirements, and consumer trends. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, and supply chain, to bring cutting-edge products to market. This position requires a proactive approach, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for creating high-performance skincare that meets diverse consumer needs. You will be at the forefront of innovation in the beauty industry, shaping the future of our client's product portfolio. This fully remote role offers unparalleled flexibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation and conceptualization of new skincare products based on market trends, consumer insights, and scientific advancements.
• Conduct extensive research on ingredients, formulations, and emerging technologies to ensure product efficacy and safety.
• Collaborate closely with contract manufacturers and R&D teams during the formulation and scale-up phases.
• Develop product briefs, technical specifications, and performance testing protocols.
• Perform competitive analysis and market research to identify opportunities and potential gaps in the skincare market.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with relevant cosmetic regulations and industry standards.
• Work with the marketing team to develop compelling product claims, narratives, and launch strategies.
• Review and approve stability testing, compatibility studies, and safety assessments.
• Manage project timelines and budgets effectively to ensure timely product launches.
• Stay abreast of global skincare trends, scientific research, and consumer preferences.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmacy, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in skincare product development within the beauty industry.
• Proven track record of successfully launching multiple skincare products from concept to market.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation science, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with international cosmetic regulations and testing requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working in a remote team environment.
• Proficiency in research methodologies and data analysis.
• A keen understanding of consumer insights and market dynamics in the beauty sector.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to work from Stellenbosch or anywhere else. You will receive a highly competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning in the dynamic beauty industry, and the chance to significantly impact product innovation. Our client provides a collaborative virtual work environment, access to industry conferences (virtual or in-person as applicable), and the satisfaction of developing cutting-edge skincare products that reach a global audience. This role is based remotely, but connection to the Western Cape spirit of innovation is valued.