R&D Manager - Cosmetics Formulation

Cohere Beauty CDMO is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization specializing in the creation of innovative skincare and cosmetic products. With established relationships in the industry and a commitment to excellence, we offer comprehensive services from formulation to production. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of skincare science and delivering high-quality products to our clients.

Job Summary

Cohere Beauty is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead our Phoenix formulation team. This position requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of skincare formulation, a proven track record in product development, and strong leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have 10 years of experience in cosmetics formulation with a Skincare focus, including 2-3 years of direct management experience. This is both hands-on formulation work and leadership of a team of 4-6 chemists.

This is what you will do:

• Lead and Mentor Team: Manage and mentor a team of 4-6 formulation chemists, fostering a collaborative environment and guiding their professional development.
• Skincare Product Development: Oversee the formulation and development of innovative skincare products, including creams, lotions, serums, and other topical applications.
• Research and Innovation: Conduct and guide research on new raw materials, key active ingredients, and cutting-edge technologies to enhance product performance and market differentiation.
• Project Management: Lead multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality formulations that meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Customer Collaboration: Work closely with customers to understand their needs, provide technical support, and present innovative formulation concepts.
• Scale-Up and Manufacturing: Partner with the manufacturing team to successfully scale up formulations from lab to production, maintaining consistency and quality.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate documentation of formulations, processes, and project timelines while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Industry Trends and Regulatory Compliance: Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in skincare science to ensure our formulations are at the forefront of the market.

This is what you will need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in skincare formulation within the cosmetics industry, preferably at a CDMO.
• 2-3 years of direct management experience with a proven ability to lead and develop teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing successful skincare products from concept to market.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creativity in formulation and product development.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Established industry presence and strong customer relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience with clean and high-performing formulations, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly ingredient sourcing.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for cosmetic products in major markets (e.g., FDA, MOCRA, EU).
• In-depth knowledge of key active ingredients (e.g., retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants), raw materials, emulsions, surfactants, preservatives, and other cosmetic ingredients.
• Experience with advanced skincare technologies, such as peptides, antioxidants, and delivery systems.
• Office and laboratory environment, with periodic exposure to factory conditions and chemicals.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
• Travel: 30%

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment. If you possess the required skills and are looking to make a significant impact in the field of beauty, we encourage you to apply.

#PHX1