Manager of Cosmetic R&D/ NPD

About the role:

We are seeking an exceptionally strong R&D / NPD leader with solid industrial experience to drive formulation science, innovation strategy, and scalable product development for a fast-growing clean beauty brand.

This is a science-first, formulation-intensive role requiring deep technical expertise, strong regulatory understanding (including BIS & FDA), and proven experience in taking formulations from lab bench to commercial production through structured scale-up and technical transfer.

Key Responsibilities:

Advanced Formulation & Product Development

Lead end-to-end formulation across skincare, haircare, body care, and functional wellness.

Design high-performance clean formulations aligned with BIS and global standards (EU, US, GCC).

Drive innovation in emulsions, surfactant systems, natural preservation, SPF formats, and active delivery systems.

Conduct structured bench trials, pilot batches, and pre-commercial validations.

Minimise reformulation cycles through strong scientific troubleshooting.

Industrial Scale-Up & Technical Transfer

Demonstrated industrial manufacturing experience in cosmetic production environments.

Translate lab-scale formulations into pilot and full-scale commercial batches.

Lead structured technical transfer documentation to manufacturing teams.

Troubleshoot scale-related challenges (viscosity shifts, shear sensitivity, stability variations, processing conditions).

Optimise batch sizes, mixing parameters, heating/cooling curves, and homogenisation systems.

Ensure reproducibility and batch-to-batch consistency at scale.

New Product Development Strategy

Own the complete NPD lifecycle: concept lab development validation scale-up launch.

Develop innovation roadmaps aligned with brand and commercial objectives.

Translate global beauty trends into differentiated, defensible formulations.

Improve speed-to-market while maintaining scientific integrity.

Scientific Testing & Regulatory Compliance

Design and oversee:

Stability testing protocols

Microbial & preservative challenge testing

Efficacy validation

SPF and claim substantiation

Ensure strong documentation for audits and certifications.

Maintain deep familiarity with:

BIS cosmetic standards & labelling norms

CDSCO compliance

EU CPNP

US FDA

COSMOS / ECOCERT frameworks

Ingredient & Clean Innovation Research

Evaluate global actives, botanicals, biotech ingredients, and sustainable alternatives.

Conduct ingredient compatibility and toxicological review.

Lead clean formulation frameworks aligned with regulatory and performance standards.

R&D Lab Systems & Infrastructure

Strengthen R&D lab infrastructure and equipment planning.

Implement SOPs, structured trial documentation, and formulation databases.

Establish data-driven formulation tracking systems.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead and mentor R&D, QC, and technical teams with clarity and structure.

Foster strong team spirit, ownership, and scientific accountability.

Work closely with production, regulatory, procurement, and founders for seamless execution.

Build a high-performance, documentation-driven, and innovation-led culture.

Required Qualifications

6-8 years of experience in cosmetic formulation and NPD with strong industrial manufacturing exposure.

Proven experience in commercial scale-up and structured technical transfer.

Deep knowledge of emulsion systems, surfactants, natural preservation, actives integration, and SPF systems.

Strong working knowledge of BIS cosmetic regulations and Indian compliance requirements.

Experience preparing technical dossiers, batch records, and validation documentation.

Demonstrated track record of successfully launching multiple SKUs from lab to market.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

Ideal Profile

Hands-on cosmetic scientist, not purely managerial.

Strong team player with proven leadership capabilities.

Structured, process-driven, and commercially aware.

Passionate about clean beauty, sustainability, and performance-driven innovation.

Comfortable in agile, founder-led, fast-growth environments.