Director of Formulation and Innovation

RITA Corporation is seeking a Director of Formulation Science to lead our technical operations team, including Quality Control, Formulation, and Manufacturing, with a focus on product quality, innovation, and technical support for internal teams and customers. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience in the Personal Care or Cosmetics industry, and hold a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Crystal Lake, IL, and requires 25- 40% domestic and international travel.

Location: Crystal Lake, IL

Travel: Up to 40% Travel / 60% Onsite Office/Lab

Salary: $140,000 - $165,000 (Exempt)

About Us:

With over 70 years of experience, RITA Corporation specializes in providing the personal care, cosmetics, and home care industries with a diverse range of specialty and commodity ingredients and raw materials.

Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the technical services teams, ensuring high standards in product quality and innovation.

· Oversee the development of new formulations and improvements to existing products to meet customer and market demands.

· Provide technical support to the sales team and customers, including troubleshooting, formulation guidance, ingredient selection, regulatory compliance assistance, and delivering product line presentations during customer sales visits.

· Collaborate with R&D, regulatory, and production teams to ensure the technical feasibility and scalability of new products.

· Ensure compliance with industry regulations while maintaining and continuously improving quality assurance processes.

· Stay informed on industry trends, raw material innovations, and emerging technologies in personal care, cosmetics, and home care.

· Act as a technical liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the technical department to enhance efficiency and performance.

· Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, customer meetings, and technical conferences as needed.

Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or cosmetic formulations (master’s preferred).

· 10 years of experience in the personal care or cosmetics industry (or 5 years with a master’s degree).

· Ability to travel to customer sites, industry events, or manufacturing facilities (travel up to 40% with some international travel required)

· Strong background in personal care/cosmetics formulation chemistry and raw materials.

· Experience managing technical teams and cross-functional projects.

· Strong presentation skills with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

· Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards for personal care ingredients.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to stand, walk, and move around lab and production areas as needed.

· Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. when handling samples or lab equipment.

Benefits Package:

· Annual discretionary bonus

· Car allowance, cell phone and computer equipment

· Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and dependents

· 401(k) retirement plan with 5% matching

· Generous paid time off

· Employer-paid Life, accident and disability insurance

· Onsite fitness room

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (Required)
• personal care or cosmetic products: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $140,000 - $165,000