Senior R&D Opportunity
This is a great opportunity for a candidate looking for a challenging role that requires leading the research and development of new product platforms in a growing R&D team.
The R&D project lead will exhibit a wide combination of skills ranging from project management to applied research. This is an active lab position where you will combine creative and technical laboratory skills to push the boundaries in new technologies and create innovative new products.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead R&D activities (chemical, formulation and microbiological) in the execution of renovation (product changes/enhancements) and innovation projects.
* Define R&D project plans and goals, identify critical project tasks and set priorities together with the R&D formulation chemist and microbiologist.
* Manage multiple projects simultaneously using appropriate project management tools including scoping, milestone achievements, scheduling, quality and cost.
* Work with the R&D team to identify, develop and create new product formulations and assist in creating new product attributes.
* Develop laboratory screening methods and analytical testing capabilities that quickly assess product feasibility or issues.
* Interpret R&D results and communicate results to R&D team, cross-functionally and to senior leadership via informal and formal updates, reports and presentations.
* Manage day-to-day R&D lab operations - RA, SSOW, materials ordering & storage, SDS management, etc.
* Manage new R&D formulation trials & scale-up of approved formulations, to include identification of critical process variables for production, manufacturing specifications, including providing input on new product pilot and manufacturing equipment.
* Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness when solving issues that arise during the development process. Troubleshoot technical issues and provide recommendations.
* Foster internal business partnerships with functions including marketing, strategic demand, technical, packaging, regulatory, production, engineering, quality.
* Provide technical input to quality, technical, engineering and operations departments on chemistry as required to resolve technical issues.
* Provide technical and managerial guidance and feedback to R&D team.
* Explore innovation opportunities for our core technology, new technologies and product categories and other technical platforms as part of the Global Innovation Strategy.
* Stay up-to-date with raw materials, new technologies, processing methodology and marketing trends in existing/emerging technologies.
About You:
* Bachelor's degree in science (chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, chemical engineering).
* Minimum 5 years of experience in R&D, Innovation or Product Development.
* Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, analytical and organisational skills.
* Working knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and packaging, lab equipment, analytical methods and Design for Manufacturing principles.
* Excellent understanding of regulatory and compliance guidelines within the cosmetic industry.
* Aptitude for IT and analytical tools, software utilising Teams, Microsoft Office, Excel and databases.
* Solid business acumen, problem-solving skills and results-focused.
* Motivated, creative and enthusiastic individual.