An exceptional opportunity for an R & D Manager (Product Development) with a global manufacturer and key employer in the area.

The role reports into the European R & D Director.

Sal & Benefits:
Very attractive basic salary, plus 10% performance related annual bonus
£6,500 per annum car allowance
9% matched contribution pension scheme (including salary exchange option)
Health cash plan with Healthshield
Life Assurance cover at 4x base salary
24 days holiday (can buy/sell 3 days per year) plus 8 bank holidays
Mon to Thur (8am to 4.30pm). Fri (8am to 3.30pm)
Role initially based on site 4 days per week, but will change to hybrid working with 50% on site 50% working from home

Professional Qualifications/ Knowledge:
University Degree in Sciences or Engineering or related relevant professional qualifications to degree level.
Ideally, 5 or more years relevant experience in personal care formulation and science or a similar environment.
Previous knowledge of personal care products including toothpaste formulation or depilatories is ideal.
Experience in technology sourcing and innovation management.
Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate on an executive level.
Proven leadership capability, experience managing organizations composed of scientists and engineers.
Decision Making - Ability to analyse and interpret data to make accurate and expedient decisions.
Able to foster strong cross-functional relationships and build effective project teams.
Strong negotiating skills.
The post holder should be prepared to undertake additional study as required as part of their continuing professional development i.e. attendance at technical seminars, courses etc.
Knowledge of different languages is beneficial to the role.

New Product Development & Innovation:
Understand consumer needs on a particular benefit area and link these needs with technical/scientific possibilities.
Understand competitive landscape in the cosmetic area, so as to understand our position with better, technical solutions.
Guide the development and formulation of cosmetic products/batches and new product concepts required by the business whilst working as part of a future innovation exercise based on customer needs.
Adept at identifying technology for Personal Care Products
Ability to construct and implement technical strategy and innovation strategies for key global brands.
Guide the preparation of laboratory and stability samples and issuing the monthly reporting of stability documentation to relevant departments.
Involvement of laboratory or in use tests to determine the product properties and operation of pilot plant when trialing new products.
Literature searches and reviews of related topics when developing and formulating new products.
Enable the creation of prototypes to proceed with the next Stagegate.
Ability to assess consumer acceptance on those products and evaluate concept/product fit.

Package Development:
Knowledge of personal care components and specifications as they relate to overall manufacturability of products and interaction with product ingredients.
Guide the design and assure compliance with global specification systems.

Technology & Innovation:
Assess the value and benefits of technology based on limited information as related to due diligence procedures for the evaluation of acquisitions and technology licenses.
Identify intellectual property and assure proper steps are taken to protect the company assets, i.e., collaborate with Legal to produce patent applications and assure trade secret information is identified and protected
Implement research programs to improve depth of technical understanding and identify opportunities for new growth platforms.
Lead on IP strategy for the new areas of work

Regulatory/Legal:
Experience in management of regulatory compliance
Knowledge of regulatory authorities and their mandates
Knowledgeable in regulatory and legislative implications of product claims and advertising restrictions
Experience working cooperatively with corporate legal and advertising agencies
Devise clinical testing strategies for hair care products to deliver well substantiated product claims assure compliance with regulations

Quality Improvement:
Establish a strong quality mindset within the organization to analyze and resolve product quality issues.
Work closely with Quality Assurance organisation to identify and implement improvement programs for finished products.
Ensure the R&D processes and systems follow a quality criteria.

Technical Services in Support of Manufacturing:
Provision of technical support to production sites and understanding of global manufacturing requirements
Assure flawless handovers of technology from laboratory to manufacturing with understanding of global implications
Analyze product components and manufacturing processes with objective to reduce costs and improve gross margins of brands

Business Acumen:
Key member on the creation of 3 – 5 years multigen plans
Provide expertise to formulate long term business plans working closely with global business teams
Harmonise global business practices and improve efficiency of the R&D organisation
Manage product development portfolios to maximise return on R&D investment.
Tracking & control of the allocated budget.

People Management and Development:
Experience with performance management techniques and practices.
Conduct in-depth performance management of individuals and provide career development opportunities for technical staff.
Identify and address employee engagement issues, initiate actions to improve engagement.
Training and mentoring of new staff.
Daily running of Product Development laboratory and staff.
Overseeing the responsibilities of allocated R&D team.

Special Relationships:
Working with Quality Control, Packaging, Marketing, Processing and Production Departments providing technical support, competitive understanding of different products and consumer assessment.

Internal:
Reporting to the European R&D Director on project progress and any problems observed with products on test.

External:
Foster third party collaborative research programs
Establish external partnerships with raw material and technology suppliers

Health & Safety:
To ensure that they are aware of, understand and follow all Company Health & Safety instructions - accident/incident reporting, first aid etc.
Equipment - ensuring the proper use and maintenance of equipment and instruments used.
To report any accidents or near misses to the Health & Safety Officer and/or Health, Safety & Environment Officer.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit an up to date CV.



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