Technical Manager (R&D)

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 preferred.
• 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.

Preferred 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.

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree