Head of Research and Formula Development

The Body Shop

When Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976, she had a vision. Business as a force for good – that’s us. 50 years later, we’re proud to be pioneering cruelty-free beauty every step of the way. We’re the original ethical beauty brand. We’ve got a thing for empowering people and enriching our planet. We’re all about keeping it real, in every way possible. Our activist roots remain a huge part of everything we do, from our iconic window posters to our vegetarian products to our infamous campaigns. We’re never afraid to stand up and speak the truth. We like to do things a little differently around here. 

The Body Shop is committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. We’re fighting for what we believe in now more than ever. No holding back. Breaking the mould has always come naturally to us, and we need someone who’s not afraid to mix things up. 

Your role in a nutshell

We are looking for an experienced Head of Research and Formula Development to define and lead the formula strategy and the delivery of sustainable innovation across the product portfolio. This is a permanent role, working from our Brighton office 2 days per week, 3 days from home. 

More about the role

Strategic Decision Making and Delivery:

• Design and implement The Body Shop formulation strategy providing strategic insights, data and recommendations to senior leadership


• Engage internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery of the formula strategy


• Lead the implementation of product sensoriality technical roadmap and capabilities (fragrance and texture) as brand differentiator


• Lead design and implementation of formulation charters, policies, guidelines, contracts, SOPs, codes of practice

Ability to Innovate and Deliver Sustainable Innovation :

• Identify and lead opportunities to deliver innovative and sustainable formulas fuelling our profitability with a consumer-focused lens


• To champion sustainable formulation design and innovation including anticipating compliance with upcoming regulations


• Provide expertise on sustainable formula to deliver over and above our sustainability commitments


• Define and lead implementation of innovation with Product Marketing ensuring the integration of R&I scientific claims storytelling and technical expertise for TBS products


• Identify and support the selection of best innovation partners


• Deliver and manage new product launches effectively respecting time and cost target whilst prioritising and optimising resources 

Scientific/Technical Excellence:

• Maximise perceived performance of NPD & Core portfolio including upcoming compliance/regulation


• Foster strategic relationships with external labs to build robust clinical and efficacious product claims


• Build a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, developing expertise, new technical know-how and methods

External / Internal Relations:

• Develop and nurture our network of external relationships to maximise The Body Shop access to sustainable formula innovation to capitialise research capabilities and technical expertise


• Develop and execute internal engagement with internal stakeholders

Team management:

Develop and manage formula team and broader cross functional network in execution of the strategy

What we look for

Skills:

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, here are just a few of the rewards that you can look forward to if you join us: a 6% non-contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount and access to product sample sales, access to Perks at Work, our online shopping channel with exclusive deals & discounts, as well as LOVE money to spend on your wellbeing and personal development.