R&D Chemist – Operations

This role focuses on maintaining, refining, and optimising existing formulations while supporting the successful transition of products from laboratory development to full-scale manufacturing.

This position suits a scientifically rigorous formulation chemist who combines strong laboratory capability with disciplined documentation, regulatory awareness, and cross-functional collaboration across production, quality, and regulatory teams.

Essential Requirements

• BSc in Chemistry or related scientific discipline (Cosmetic Science advantageous).
• 25 years formulation experience within the personal care or cosmetics sector.
• Proven experience developing and troubleshooting emulsions and related formulation systems.
• Strong documentation, analytical, and project coordination capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimise and refine existing personal care formulations to improve performance, stability, and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate and qualify alternative raw materials and suppliers to ensure continuity of supply, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
• Conduct laboratory batching and scale-up activities, working closely with production to transition formulations to manufacturing.
• Manage formulation testing, including stability, compatibility, and packaging interaction.
• Support investigation of out-of-specification results and product reworks with QC and production teams.
• Maintain accurate formulation records, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Liaise with suppliers and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with local regulations in target markets.