Director, Research and Development
Groupe Marcelle•Montreal, QC
•Onsite
About The Position
The Director, R&D leads the laboratory team and is accountable for delivering consistent, reliable, and high-quality product development across skincare, colour cosmetics and SPF formulas. The role ensures strong technical oversight, disciplined execution, and effective collaboration across functions to deliver products that meet performance, timing, and business expectations. This role combines people leadership, technical judgment, and operational rigor to strengthen the reliability of R&D delivery and reinforce trust across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field
- 10–15 years of experience in cosmetic or personal care product development
- 5–7 years of people leadership experience
- Strong knowledge of cosmetic formulation principles (emulsions, actives, product performance); colour cosmetic experience is an asset
- Exposure to manufacturing environments
- Experience working with external suppliers and development partners
- A strong leader with the ability to develop people and build accountability for consistent team performance
- Highly organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented
- Equipped with sound technical judgment and a structured, problem-solving mindset
- Able to influence cross-functional stakeholders and build alignment
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities
- A clear communicator with strong collaboration skills
- Action-oriented and driven by results
Nice To Haves
- colour cosmetic experience is an asset
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and coach the R&D laboratory team (formulators and project resources), fostering accountability, collaboration, and consistent performance
- Define priorities, allocate resources, and ensure effective execution across all R&D projects (NPD, EPD, change requests)
- Ensure robust product development practices, including appropriate formula testing strategies, risk assessment, and documentation
- Actively review formulation strategies, raw material selection, and technical decisions to support effective problem-solving and avoid dead ends
- Be accountable for the quality and robustness of formula development, including stability, compatibility, safety, and consistency from lab to launch
- Ensure R&D deliverables are completed on time and meet required performance and quality standards
- Oversee R&D execution for both internally developed and externally sourced formulas, ensuring consistency in rigor and follow-up
- Partner with Marketing and Innovation to translate product concepts into feasible development plans, anticipate needs, identify new formula opportunities and textures, and propose solutions when constraints arise
- Collaborate closely with Production, Technical Transfer, and Quality to support readiness for scale-up and manufacturing
- Provide support to Production and Quality in diagnosing and resolving formula-related issues as needed, ensuring continuity, product quality, and minimal disruption
- Build strong, productive relationships with cross-functional partners (Marketing, Innovation, Regulatory, Quality, Production, Project Management)
- Monitor project risks, clarify priorities in a fast-paced environment, and align the team to deliver effectively
- Manage the R&D budget and external partners (suppliers, testing labs) as required
- Drive continuous improvement of R&D processes, tools, and ways of working
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Flexible hours promoting work-life balance, including the possibility of leaving earlier on Fridays
- Medical and dental insurance
- Health and wellness spending account
- Retirement plan and Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Telemedicine services
- Employee Assistance Program
- Performance bonuses
- Paid holidays during the Christmas season
- Paid time off for your birthday
- Employee discounts on all Groupe Marcelle products, including exclusive previews of new launches
- Free access to our on-site gym at headquarters
- On-site bistro offering hot and cold meals
- Large free outdoor parking lot (paid indoor parking option available)
- Easily accessible by foot from Du Collège metro station
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
