R & D Manager

• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry standards.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the R&D team, providing regular feedback and guidance to ensure optimal team productivity.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.
• Contribute and guide team to new formulation development, ensuring innovation that aligns with market trends and customer expectations.
• Guide and optimize existing formulations to enhance cost-efficiency, stability, and market competitiveness.
• Focus on BMR process optimization, ensuring stability, productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify and implement new technologies and raw materials to improve product formulations.
• Ensure that all product development projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet performance and quality standards.

3. R&D Process Improvement & Manufacturing Support:

Establish and optimize systematic R&D processes and workflow to ensure efficient, stable, and replicable development.

• Improve the speed and quality of formulation development and sample preparation, ensuring timely sample submission and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure team to provide customer attractive, differentiated, and competitive product write up & selling points base on customer background.
• Ensure that all formulations are designed for scalable production, support the production team in resolving any technical issues related to product formulation during the manufacturing process.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:

• Familiar with and ensure that all products comply with local and international regulations (e.g.NPRA, FDA, EU, COSMOS), and oversee the timely preparation of regulatory documents.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure that all formulations, labeling, registrations meet industry standards and legal requirements.
• Ensure that all R&D documentation, including test results, formulations, and regulatory filings, are properly maintained and updated.
• Establish and manage a structured database for raw materials, formulations, lab tests; Ensure the completion of Product Information Files (PIF) for every product.

5. Cost Management & Raw Material Optimization:

• Work closely with procurement to select cost-effective and high-quality raw materials, balancing innovation with cost control.
• Minimize the use of new raw material types and maximize the use of existing raw materials.
• Oversee the optimization of existing formulations to reduce raw material costs without compromising on product performance or quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers to stay ahead of market trends and source innovative materials that enhance product competitiveness.

6. Project Management:

• Develop and manage project timelines, coordinating with cross-functional teams such as production, NPD, and quality control to ensure smooth project execution.
• Ensure that R&D projects are delivered on time, meeting all deadlines and company objectives.
• Regularly assess project progress, identifying risks and taking proactive measures to mitigate any potential issues.

7. Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with NPD, production, procurement, and marketing teams to ensure the successful transition of R&D projects to production.
• Work closely with the quality control team to address any issues during the production scale-up process, ensuring product consistency and efficiency.
• Regularly communicate with sales and marketing teams to gather market insights and adapt R&D strategies accordingly.

8. Market Research & Competitive Analysis:

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and emerging consumer demands.
• Utilize market insights to inform product development and adjust R&D strategies to maintain the company’s competitive edge.
• Drive innovation in line with market demands, ensuring the development of differentiated and high-performing products.

9. Laboratory Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the R&D laboratory, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with industry best practices.
• Establish and maintain standardized testing protocols for raw materials, formulations, stability testing, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure the laboratory meets all safety standards and that all equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of cosmetic raw materials, formulation design, and production processes in the personal care and skincare industry.
  • Expertise in project management, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent experience with regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, EU, COSMOS) and the preparation of regulatory documentation.
• Proven experience in leading and developing a team of R&D professionals.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in product development and manufacturing.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work across departments and with external partners.
• Market & Innovation:
  • Ability to stay updated on market trends and industry advancements, translating insights into actionable R&D strategies.
  • Experience in driving innovation in product development, with a focus on cost control and sustainability.
• Other Skills:
  • Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail in managing documentation, timelines, and team performance.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively manage cross-functional collaborations and client relationships.
  • Ability to balance innovation with cost management, ensuring product competitiveness without compromising on quality.