Technical Manager (R&D)

Job DescriptionJob Description

The Technical Manager is a pivotal role responsible for leading the transition of formulations from R&D to full-scale production while ensuring the highest quality standards. This role requires deep technical expertise in cosmetic and personal care product formulation, scale-up processes, and manufacturing. The Technical Manager will collaborate across R&D, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to drive innovation, resolve technical challenges, and deliver products that meet customer expectations and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

· Formulation Scale-Up:

· Lead the transfer of formulations from bench to production quantities, ensuring smooth scaling processes.

· Assess the impact of equipment variables (e.g., heat, cooling, mixing speeds, order of ingredient addition) on chemical reactions and product quality.

· Optimize processes for various manufacturing capabilities, including mixer performance and production equipment limitations.

· Technical Leadership:

· Provide expertise in ingredient functionality, product formulation, and process optimization.

· Analyze complex technical challenges, identify root causes, and develop innovative, practical solutions.

· Maintain a forward-looking approach to industry trends, ensuring alignment with cutting-edge technologies and market demands.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration:

· Partner with R&D and Operations teams to create robust strategies for new product development and continuous improvement.

· Work with internal and external partners to introduce new perspectives and enhance innovation capabilities.

· Communicate effectively with customers to address technical challenges, offer solutions, and manage expectations.

· Team Development:

· Mentor and guide R&D staff, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

· Regulatory and Quality Compliance:

· Ensure all formulations and processes meet FDA regulations, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and other safety guidelines.

· Develop and document procedures, reports, and protocols to support compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Project Management:

· Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities to meet customer and business needs.

· Develop timelines, milestones, and deliverables for projects to ensure on-time completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree .
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cosmetics or personal care formulation, R&D, and scale-up processes.
• Proven knowledge of personal care product formulation, including cosmetics and OTC products, from concept to manufacturing.
• Expertise in FDA regulations, cGMP standards, and manufacturing best practices.
• Strong mathematical and statistical analysis skills for process optimization and problem-solving.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, ERP systems, and the ability to learn in-house programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor technical data for diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a customer-focused environment, addressing technical challenges, and delivering solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, lead teams, and drive innovation.

Skills:

• Experience in a beauty contract manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of natural and organic ingredient technologies.
• Strong foundation in experimental design and statistical modeling for process development.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, 401k with match, professional development in a high-growth organization, work-life balance, a positive work environment, and much more.