Research & Development Specialist
About The Position
At Saje Natural Wellness, we're nature's original farmacy, blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life, naturally. And like nature, we're continually growing! As we continue to build our team, we're seeking talented people to join us: in our stores, support offices, and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven, people-first organization where collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive. We look for individuals who have drive and warmth, agility and passion, and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do. At Saje, you’ll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career, alongside the most talented, hard working, and kind-hearted people out there. The impact you'll make: Reporting to the R&D Manager/Formulation Manager, the R&D Specialist plays a key role in coordinating and advancing product development across the R&D team. This role is ideal for someone with a background in product formulation or cosmetic science who can combine technical understanding with strong project management and organizational skills. You will support the development and continuous improvement of natural cosmetic, remedy, and home care products by coordinating R&D projects from concept through commercialization. Working closely with formulation, regulatory, sourcing, packaging, and marketing teams, you will manage timelines, track deliverables, organize testing and documentation, and ensure projects move forward efficiently and meet launch deadlines. This role requires someone who understands the R&D lifecycle holistically—from raw materials to formulation to testing, regulatory requirements, and scale-up—and can help the team stay organized, focused, and aligned across multiple concurrent projects. All Saje Team Members are responsible for contributing to Saje’s culture and maintaining a positive environment for themselves and their peers.
Requirements
- 2–4 years of experience in cosmetic, personal care, or natural product R&D, including exposure to formulation and product development workflows.
- Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle from formulation through testing, documentation, and commercialization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, timelines, and multiple concurrent priorities within an R&D environment.
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
- Interest in natural, sustainable, and plant-based products.
Nice To Haves
- Experience coordinating stability, compatibility, and safety testing is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate R&D product development projects from concept through launch, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and timelines are clearly defined and tracked.
- Maintain project timelines and ensure cross-functional alignment between R&D, regulatory, sourcing, packaging, operations, and marketing teams.
- Organize project documentation, technical data, and test results to ensure accessibility and traceability throughout the development process.
- Support the R&D team.
- Assist in the formulation and reformulation of natural cosmetics, remedies, and home care products.
- Coordinate stability, compatibility, safety, and performance testing for prototypes.
- Compile and maintain databases of test results, formulation changes, and product specifications.
- Initiate and maintain technical documentation including formulation records, test protocols, and product development summaries.
- Request and coordinate raw material samples and packaging components for R&D testing.
- Review and organize technical documentation for new raw materials in alignment with the Saje Natural Standard.
- Support ingredient database maintenance and documentation in internal software systems.
- Manage logistics for laboratory activities including sample shipments for external testing (stability, compatibility, safety, GCMS, etc.).
- Organize and maintain retention samples and laboratory inventory.
- Manage purchase orders for lab materials and supplies.
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure R&D deliverables align with regulatory, sourcing, packaging, and commercialization requirements.
- Support review of product artwork and technical details for accuracy and compliance.
Benefits
- Annual bonus program
- A hybrid way of working
- Flexible work hours based on business needs
- Wellness days to ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical health
- Health benefits - comprehensive health, vision and dental packages
- Paid sick days
- Generous product discount
- Full onboarding plan and onboarding buddy to help you settle in
- Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support, resources, and information available to you and your family
- GRSP matching programs
- Paid time off to ensure you're resting & recharging
- Product training to help you learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
