R&D Manager - Cosmetics Formulation

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 the 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.

Key Responsibilities:

·       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.

Minimum Education & Experience:

·       Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.

·       10 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·       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.

Preferred Knowledge, Certifications, Skills & Abilities:

·       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.

Travel & Working Conditions:

·       Office and laboratory environment, with periodic exposure to factory conditions and chemicals.

·       Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.

·       Travel: 30%

Other Duties:

·       Perform other duties as assigned.