Head of Research & Development (PSS08025)

About the Company

A fast-growing consumer brand in the beauty and personal care category, focused on addressing unsolved problems in skin care through innovative products. The company emphasizes natural ingredients and aims to build a differentiated product range aligned with consumer needs.

Position Overview

The Head of Research & Development (R&D) leads the research, formulation, testing, and development of innovative products across the portfolio. This high-impact role drives product innovation, improves existing formulations, identifies emerging technologies and ingredients, and ensures successful commercialization. The role reports directly to the Co-Founder and collaborates closely with Innovation, Marketing, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D strategy aligned with the company’s innovation roadmap, brand vision, and growth objectives.
• Drive end-to-end product development from concept through formulation, prototyping, validation, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Identify emerging ingredient trends, technologies, and scientific advancements to create differentiated product offerings.
• Conduct research, feasibility studies, stability testing, and product performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Consumer Insights teams to translate customer needs into commercially viable products.
• Work closely with external laboratories, ingredient suppliers, consultants, and manufacturing partners to accelerate development timelines.
• Ensure all formulations comply with regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for existing products focusing on performance, cost optimization, and sustainability.
• Build and manage a robust innovation and product development pipeline.
• Establish testing protocols, product specifications, and technical documentation.
• Monitor project timelines, development costs, and commercialization milestones.
• Mentor and develop the R&D team while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, experimentation, and innovation.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 5 to 10 years in Research & Development, Product Development, or Innovation roles with proven success in developing and launching consumer products.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively; experience managing cross-functional projects from concept to market launch.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of formulation science, testing methodologies, commercialization processes, regulatory and quality standards; experience working with external vendors, laboratories, and manufacturing partners.
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Why Consider this Opportunity?

• Lead R&D strategy at a fast-growing brand focused on innovation in beauty and personal care.
• Drive product development that directly impacts consumer satisfaction and business growth.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with key teams and external partners to accelerate innovation.
• Shape a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement within the R&D function.
• Opportunity to work with natural ingredient-based formulations addressing unmet skin care needs.

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