Manager, Product Development (Formulation)
About The Position
The Manager, Product Development, leads the creation, optimization, and commercialization of formulas from concept through production. The role ensures products meet brand expectations, performance standards, cost targets, quality requirements, and regulatory compliance. The Manager collaborates with Marketing, Packaging, Procurement, Regulatory, Operations, Quality, external manufacturers, and suppliers to deliver innovative products with strong technical execution, thorough documentation, and scalable formulation processes. The role directs end-to-end formulation development for new products and reformulations, including performance, stability, safety, manufacturability, quality, cost, and consumer experience. It partners across functions and with contract manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to translate concepts into viable formulas, manage technical risks, support project timelines, and prepare formulas for production. The Manager also defines and aligns formula specifications, ensures required technical data is captured, and identifies ingredients, technologies, and formulation approaches for future innovation. The position is hybrid and requires in-office work three times per week. Some travel is required.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, Biology, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of product development or formulation experience within beauty, personal care, skincare, haircare, body care, fragrance, or related consumer products.
- Experience partnering with contract manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.
- In-depth knowledge of formulation, scale-up, and manufacturing processes.
- Demonstrated success leading products from concept through commercialization.
- Understanding of cosmetic regulatory requirements and product compliance.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical teams.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Proven project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Willingness to travel as required.
- Willingness to work in the office three times per week in a hybrid environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end formulation development for new products and reformulations, ensuring formulas meet performance, stability, safety, manufacturability, quality, cost, and consumer experience expectations.
- Partner with Marketing, Packaging, Procurement, Regulatory, Operations, and Quality to translate concepts into viable formulas, manage technical risks, support timelines, and drive execution through commercialization.
- Work with contract manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to develop, test, refine, and scale formulas, ensuring alignment on quality, cost, feasibility, and production readiness.
- Define, review, and align formula specification ranges with suppliers before production.
- Ensure all required technical data for formulas is captured and technical documentation and supplier records are completed.
- Identify new ingredients, technologies, and formulation approaches that support innovation, ingredient storytelling, and distinctive product experiences.
- Deliver formula-development milestones and innovation and reformulation projects on time while meeting formula cost targets.
- Continuously improve workflows, documentation, and core product performance.
- Manage technical risks while minimizing impacts to launch timelines.
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships and demonstrate Sol de Janeiro values.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus program for full-time team members.
- Flexible hybrid work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and celebrates individuality.
- Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, award-winning global beauty brand.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
