Lab Manager £48,000
Bath
Are you a creative and experienced R&D professional with a passion for developing personal care products? We’re looking for a Lab Manager to lead product development within an innovative R&D team. This role is ideal for someone who not only enjoys hands-on formulation but also thrives in managing people and driving development through a collaborative R&D team.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the formulation and development of new personal care products—across skincare, haircare, and body care—from concept to commercialisation.
Manage a skilled R&D team, providing day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and performance oversight to ensure high standards of technical output.
Coordinate lab development processes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to brief.
Oversee product testing programs, including stability, microbiological, and packaging compatibility, ensuring product integrity and compliance throughout shelf life.
Work closely with scale-up and production teams to support smooth product transfer and troubleshoot any technical challenges.
Cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, keeping the team up-to-date with raw material innovations and industry trends.
Represent the R&D department in cross-functional meetings and act as the technical lead on assigned projects.
Ensure all R&D activities follow GMP and internal quality standards.
Key Requirements:
Degree-qualified in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
Minimum 5 years' experience in cosmetic formulation, ideally including skincare, bath, and haircare categories.
Proven track record of managing or mentoring technical team members within an R&D or lab setting.
Strong understanding of cosmetic raw materials, formulation techniques, and global regulatory frameworks.
Excellent project management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and represent R&D in client or stakeholder meetings.
Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.