Senior R&D Manager Cosmetics
CV-LibraryAlton, HampshirepermanentPosted: 12 October 2026
Apply NowSenior R&D Manager - Cosmetics
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Working Pattern: Primarily site-based with flexibility for hybrid working
Lead Innovation in a Growing Health & Beauty Business
We are seeking an experienced Senior R&D Manager to join an innovative beauty and personal care manufacturer based in Hampshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded R&D leader to drive product innovation, manage key customer relationships, and lead a high-performing team in the development of exciting beauty and cosmetic products.
This role combines technical leadership, people management, and customer engagement, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys bringing new ideas from concept through to commercial launch.
The Role
As Senior R&D Manager, you will:
* Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of dedicated R&D professionals
* Drive the innovation strategy across beauty and personal care product categories
* Manage the full product development lifecycle from concept to launch
* Act as the technical lead for key customers and stakeholders
* Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their requirements and translating them into commercially viable products
* Collaborate closely with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams
* Identify emerging trends, ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities
* Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
* Present technical proposals and development updates to customers and senior leadership teams
* Support continuous improvement initiatives across the R&D function
About You
We are looking for an experienced R&D leader with a strong background in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or related consumer products.
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience within the beauty, cosmetics, personal care, skincare, toiletries, or adjacent FMCG sectors
* Significant experience managing and developing technical or R&D teams
* Strong stakeholder and client-facing skills with the ability to build lasting relationships
* Track record of successfully delivering new product development projects
* Commercial awareness and an understanding of market trends
* Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
* Strong project management and organisational abilities
* Degree qualified in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Formulation Science, or a related discipline
Desirable Experience
* Experience working with skincare, haircare, toiletries, cosmetics, or wellness products
* Knowledge of cosmetic regulations and compliance requirements
* Experience working within a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment
* Understanding of formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing processes
What's on Offer?
* Senior leadership position within a growing business
* Opportunity to shape innovation strategy and product pipelines
* Management responsibility for a talented R&D team
* High level of customer interaction and strategic influence
* Competitive salary and benefits package
If you're an accomplished R&D leader looking to make a significant impact within the beauty and personal care sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join a business where innovation, collaboration, and customer partnership are at the heart of everything they do
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Working Pattern: Primarily site-based with flexibility for hybrid working
Lead Innovation in a Growing Health & Beauty Business
We are seeking an experienced Senior R&D Manager to join an innovative beauty and personal care manufacturer based in Hampshire. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded R&D leader to drive product innovation, manage key customer relationships, and lead a high-performing team in the development of exciting beauty and cosmetic products.
This role combines technical leadership, people management, and customer engagement, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys bringing new ideas from concept through to commercial launch.
The Role
As Senior R&D Manager, you will:
* Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of dedicated R&D professionals
* Drive the innovation strategy across beauty and personal care product categories
* Manage the full product development lifecycle from concept to launch
* Act as the technical lead for key customers and stakeholders
* Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their requirements and translating them into commercially viable products
* Collaborate closely with Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams
* Identify emerging trends, ingredients, technologies, and market opportunities
* Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
* Present technical proposals and development updates to customers and senior leadership teams
* Support continuous improvement initiatives across the R&D function
About You
We are looking for an experienced R&D leader with a strong background in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or related consumer products.
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience within the beauty, cosmetics, personal care, skincare, toiletries, or adjacent FMCG sectors
* Significant experience managing and developing technical or R&D teams
* Strong stakeholder and client-facing skills with the ability to build lasting relationships
* Track record of successfully delivering new product development projects
* Commercial awareness and an understanding of market trends
* Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
* Strong project management and organisational abilities
* Degree qualified in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Formulation Science, or a related discipline
Desirable Experience
* Experience working with skincare, haircare, toiletries, cosmetics, or wellness products
* Knowledge of cosmetic regulations and compliance requirements
* Experience working within a contract manufacturing or customer-led development environment
* Understanding of formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing processes
What's on Offer?
* Senior leadership position within a growing business
* Opportunity to shape innovation strategy and product pipelines
* Management responsibility for a talented R&D team
* High level of customer interaction and strategic influence
* Competitive salary and benefits package
If you're an accomplished R&D leader looking to make a significant impact within the beauty and personal care sector, we'd love to hear from you. Join a business where innovation, collaboration, and customer partnership are at the heart of everything they do