Research and Development manager

Role Purpose:

R&D will lead end-to-end formulation innovation and execution for private labels and exclusive brands.

Segment: Baby care, Kids care, Color Cosmetics, Perfumery, Rx – Derma Range

This role is responsible not only for product formulation delivery but also for the development of new molecules, actives, and proprietary technology platforms that create sustainable differentiation for

The role demands a strong blend of deep technical expertise, commercial judgment, and execution speed.

Key Responsibilities:

1.     Product & Formula Development (Core Ownership)

Own end-to-end formulation development across skincare, haircare, personal care, and color cosmetics:

Benchmarking (India & global), lab-scale formulation & Optimization for performance, cost, and scale.

Translate brand briefs into high-performing, scalable, and consumer-relevant formulas.

Drive fast prototyping and rapid iteration to support aggressive launch timelines.

Ensure formulas are aligned with:

Indian consumer needs, Clean / conscious beauty trends, Derma-led & performance-driven positioning

2.     New Molecules, Actives & Technology Development

Lead development of new molecules, active systems, and delivery technologies, including Novel active blends, Encapsulation & delivery systems, Texture & sensorial platforms, Preservation and stability

 Innovations:

Partner with Raw material suppliers, Global ingredient innovators, Research labs & technology partners

Evaluate and translate emerging cosmetic technologies into commercially viable products.

Build proprietary or semi-exclusive technology platforms that can be leveraged across multiple SKUs and brands.

Support IP generation, documentation, and claim substantiation for new technologies.

3.     Scale-Up, Manufacturing & Tech Transfer

Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers – Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches

Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers – Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches

Own tech transfer including SOPs, BMRs, Critical process parameters

Troubleshoot scale-up challenges related to Rheology changes, Sensory drift, yield loss, and Stability failures

4.     Regulatory, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all formulations comply with:

Indian  Cosmetics Rules (CDSCO)

Global  regulations (ASEAN / EU / US where applicable)

Work closely with regulatory teams on:

Ingredient  approvals

Safety  & toxicology inputs

Claim  substantiation support

Anticipate regulatory risks early to avoid launch delays.

5.     Costing, Margin & Commercial Viability

Own formulation-level costing and BOM accuracy.

Drive cost optimization while maintaining product performance.

Partner with sourcing and finance teams to Optimize raw material choices and Balance innovation vs. gross margin targets

Lead reformulation initiatives for cost-down or compliance updates.

6.     Team Leadership & Capability Building

Lead, mentor, and develop formulation teams.

Define Formulation SOPs, documentation standards, Stability & testing protocols

Build a strong internal knowledge base for actives, technologies, and formulations.

7.     Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain

Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain

Act as the technical authority translating consumer insight into executable innovation.

Skills & Competencies

Deep expertise in Emulsions, surfactants, anhydrous systems, Actives, delivery systems, preservatives

Strong understanding of Stability, compatibility, and scale-up science

Commercial acumen and execution mindset

Strong stakeholder management skills