Manager/Sr. Manager R&D Formulation Skin

Manager / Sr. Manager - Formulation – Skincare Kolkata

Job Title: Senior Manager – Group Leader Emulsions
Department: Research & Development
Reporting To: Head – Personal Care Cosmetics Innovation

Location: Kolkata

1. Role Overview

As the Group Leader – Emulsions you will independently lead innovation and product development in the emulsion technology space including creams lotions serums gels and other leave-on skincare formats. You will play a pivotal role in driving R&D initiatives for key brands such as Emami Naturally Fair Himani Gold Turmeric Cream Fair & Handsome Boroplus Antiseptic Cream and more.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Innovation & Product Development

• Lead end-to-end technical delivery of innovation projects across skincare expertise platforms (e.g. Skin Lightening Anti-Ageing Oil Control Anti-Acne Sun Protection).

• Collaborate with Consumer Insights and Marketing teams to develop technology scoping and product differentiation.

• Propose novel technologies offering competitive advantage and IP creation.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory toxicological and microbiological standards.

• Guide the formulation processing prototyping testing and development of new products.

B. Project & Complexity Management

• Independently manage technical components of innovation projects.

• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Supply Chain Regulatory Legal and Finance.

• Define and manage critical path activities and ensure project milestone adherence.

• Ensure timely completion of project documentation including specification freeze formulation lock stability assessments and claim support.

• Mitigate technical risks and ensure legal and regulatory compliance (including for exports).

• Lead intellectual property strategy and patent clearance processes.

C. Quality Assurance & Manufacturing Readiness

• Work closely with Design Marketing CMI and Supply Chain teams to ensure product quality.

• Participate in factory trials commissioning troubleshooting and process optimization.

• Ensure final products align with the quality defined in the Product Quality Docket.

D. Strategic Initiatives & External Collaboration

• Support cost-saving and productivity programs.

• Benchmark and monitor competitor activity quality and claims.

• Lead external collaborations with dermatologists testing labs and regulatory authorities.

• Engage with professional and scientific bodies to stay updated on industry trends.

3. Key Interfaces

• Internal: PCC Innovations Head Brand Managers/Directors Supply Chain Directors Functional R&D Teams (CTI Formulation Specs QA Regulatory Processing Packaging).

• External: Third-party labs dermatologists regulatory bodies suppliers co-packers.

4. Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: 5–12 years in R&D (preferably in FMCG/Skincare) with proven expertise in formulation claims processing and innovation deployment.

• Educational Qualification: Master’s/PhD in Cosmetic Science Pharmaceutical Science Chemistry or a related field.

• Project Management Experience: Demonstrated success in end-to-end project management and cross-functional leadership.

5. Key Skills & Competencies

• Project Ownership & Delivery

• Innovation & Problem Solving

• Effective Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Consumer-Centric Product Development

• Risk Assessment & Compliance

• Collaboration Across Geographies & Virtual Teams

• Technical Documentation & Process Optimization

6. Leadership Behaviours

• Strategic Thinking & Thought Leadership

• Team Development & Coaching

• External & Internal Stakeholder Influence

• Objective Analytical and Data-Driven Approach

• Proactive Decision-Making

• Innovation-Driven Mindset

Skills

Skincare Formulation, Personal Care Product Development, Product Development Skincare, Formulation R&D