Research And Development (R&D) Manager

The R&D Manager will lead the development, formulation, testing and commercialisation of cosmetic, skincare, haircare and personal-care products. This is a highly technical, hands-on position requiring strong formulation expertise, regulatory knowledge and experience transferring laboratory formulations into full-scale manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end development of skincare, haircare, body-care and other cosmetic formulations, from concept and laboratory trials to commercial production. Independently formulate complex products such as emulsions, serums, sunscreens, cleansers, masks, shampoos and treatment products. Develop innovative formulations using active ingredients, botanical extracts, peptides, acids, surfactants, emulsifiers and advanced delivery systems. Conduct raw-material evaluation, formulation optimisation, compatibility testing, stability testing and packaging interaction studies. Troubleshoot difficult formulation issues involving separation, discolouration, viscosity changes, fragrance instability, microbial contamination and scale-up failure. Establish product specifications, testing protocols, formulation records, manufacturing instructions and technical dossiers. Lead pilot batches and production scale-up while ensuring consistency between laboratory and commercial batches. Work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Marketing and external laboratories to ensure successful product launches. Ensure formulations comply with Singapore HSA requirements, ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and relevant international cosmetic regulations. Review ingredient restrictions, product claims, safety assessments, certificates of analysis, SDS documents and regulatory submissions. Design and oversee stability, compatibility, microbiological, preservative-challenge and product-performance testing. Evaluate and qualify new ingredients, suppliers, contract manufacturers, testing laboratories and packaging solutions. Improve existing formulations to enhance efficacy, sensory performance, stability, manufacturing efficiency and cost competitiveness. Investigate product complaints, batch failures and quality deviations, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Manage R&D timelines, budgets, laboratory resources and confidential formulation information. Supervise, train and evaluate chemists, formulators and laboratory technicians. Monitor emerging cosmetic technologies, consumer trends, regulatory developments and competitor products. Requirements Diploma in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science or a closely related discipline. At least 8 years of relevant cosmetics or personal-care formulation experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or technical leadership role. Proven experience independently developing commercially successful cosmetic products. Strong technical expertise in emulsion chemistry, surfactant systems, rheology modification, preservation systems and ingredient compatibility. Demonstrated experience in laboratory formulation, pilot-scale production and full commercial scale-up. Sound knowledge of GMP, ISO 22716, ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and cosmetic product safety requirements. Able to interpret technical documents, scientific literature, raw-material specifications and stability-test results. Strong analytical and troubleshooting ability, particularly in resolving complex formulation and manufacturing problems. Experience managing multiple product-development projects under strict launch deadlines. Strong written and spoken English, with the ability to prepare professional technical reports and regulatory documentation. Comfortable working in both the laboratory and production environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience developing products for humid tropical climates and Asian skin or hair types. Familiarity with natural, clean-label, halal, vegan or sustainable cosmetic formulations. Experience with SPF, clinical efficacy, preservative-challenge and dermatological testing. Knowledge of international requirements for China, the EU, the US or other export markets. Experience establishing or expanding an in-house cosmetics R&D laboratory.