Senior Beauty Product Developer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision coverage

Product discounts

Generous PTO

Professional development

Fully remote work

Performance bonuses

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Beauty Product Developer to lead the end-to-end creation of skincare, makeup, and haircare products. This remote-first role supports collaboration with marketing, R&D, and manufacturing teams to ensure market-ready, high-performance formulations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in beauty product development, strong cosmetic formulation knowledge, and experience with contract manufacturers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Master's is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years in beauty product development with a strong launched portfolio.
• Deep knowledge of cosmetic formulations across skincare, makeup, haircare.
• Experience with contract manufacturers and product lifecycle management.
• Familiar with cosmetic regulations & safety standards in global markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of new beauty products from ideation to launch.
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturers to develop innovative formulations.
• Oversee stability and safety testing and regulatory compliance.
• Translate consumer insights into product concepts with marketing.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for timely launches.
• Mentor junior team members and maintain supplier relationships.

Skills

Cosmetic science

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/ Cosmetic Science/ related

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Formulation software

Regulatory testing knowledge

Job description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly growing and innovative beauty brand, is seeking a highly creative and experienced Senior Beauty Product Developer to join their fully remote product innovation team. This role is central to conceptualizing, formulating, and bringing to market groundbreaking beauty products across skincare, makeup, and haircare. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, R&D, and manufacturing, to ensure product excellence and market readiness. As a remote-first position, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to the development of industry-leading beauty solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate product developer to shape the future of beauty and drive significant impact from their home office. The role is based within the bustling commercial hub of Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA, offering a unique blend of creative freedom and strategic development within the beauty & wellness sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development process for new beauty products, from ideation and concept generation to formula finalization and launch.
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify new product opportunities and white space.
• Collaborate with internal R&D teams and external contract manufacturers to develop innovative and high-performance formulations.
• Oversee stability, compatibility, and efficacy testing to ensure product quality and safety.
• Work closely with the marketing team to translate consumer insights and brand strategy into compelling product concepts.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure timely product launches.
• Review and approve marketing claims, ingredient lists, and packaging artwork for regulatory compliance and accuracy.
• Stay abreast of the latest raw materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes in the beauty industry.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, formulators, and testing laboratories.
• Mentor and guide junior product development team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in beauty product development, with a strong portfolio of successfully launched products.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic formulations, ingredients, and their functionalities across skincare, makeup, and haircare.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and managing the product development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with cosmetic regulations and safety standards in key global markets.
• Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape in the beauty industry.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative remote environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Passion for the beauty industry and a keen eye for innovation and aesthetics.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R, commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Product discounts and sample opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry trade shows and workshops.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering exceptional flexibility and autonomy.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition.
• A creative, dynamic, and inclusive company culture.
• The chance to work on exciting and innovative beauty brands.
• Direct contribution to product innovation and market success.