Head Of Research And Development - Skincare Cosmetics

We are looking for the Head of R&D for our client, a leading manufacturer of high quality cosmetics. The R&D Head – Cosmetics ( Skincare) is responsible for leading cosmetic product development, formulation control, sample approvals, regulatory compliance, artwork validation, and technical coordination across departments.

The role ensures product consistency, zero deviation in approved formulations during batch manufacturing, compliance with cosmetic regulations, and high-quality sample approvals aligned with client expectations. The R&D Head also functions as Technical BD & PMT for strategic and high-volume orders.

● Develop and optimize cosmetic formulations as per client requirements and market trends.

● Review BOM (Bill of Materials) before batch approval.

● Study technical literature for new technologies, actives, and ingredient innovations.

● Introduce and validate new ingredient names as per regulatory norms.

● Ensure feasibility trials before commercial manufacturing.

● Maintain a Master Price List for common ingredients and standard cosmetic formulations.

● Ensure no formulation changes during batch manufacturing.

● Approve batch initiation only after:

○ All ingredients are available.

○ Raw materials are QC approved.

○ Documentation is complete.

● Prevent quality deviations caused by last-minute changes.

● Review Bulk/WIP status before batch release.

● Address bulk hold situations with structured root cause analysis instead of pass/throw decisions.

● Prepare samples as required by Sales team.

● Provide updated Sample Status for every RMT meeting.

● Ensure approval files are processed within 24-hour TAT.

● Conduct QC cross-verification for special samples before client dispatch.

● Review and report on special raw material samples arranged by vendors.

● Prevent Sales/Marketing from bypassing client remarks during product revisions.

● Monitor cosmetic regulations and banned ingredients updates.

● Highlight regulatory risks due to absence of dedicated DRA team.

● Ensure compliance with:

○ CDSCO cosmetic norms

○ BIS guidelines (if applicable)

○ Export country cosmetic regulations

● Ensure proper QC/QA documentation before artwork approval.

● Review old artwork corrections and ensure updated compliance data.

● Analyze cases of rework and re-testing due to quality deviations.

● Implement preventive controls to reduce formulation errors.

● Strengthen pre-production validation to avoid bulk hold cases.

● Coordinate with QC & Production for deviation management.

● Implement corrective and preventive action (CAPA) where required.

● Act as Technical BD & PMT for large or special client orders.

● Strengthen coordination between:

○ Sales

○ Production

○ QC/QA

○ Purchase

● Improve execution efficiency for big/increased orders.

● Ensure clear communication of client remarks across departments.

● Prevent misalignment in formulation vs production capability.

● Ensure proper maintenance of:

○ Trial reports

○ Stability data

○ Ingredient specifications

○ Vendor sample review reports

● Maintain structured sample approval tracker.

● Ensure Drug Department challan generation request and timely submission where applicable.

● Reduce approval delays through structured file movement process.

● Strict formulation lock system before production.

● Defined SOP for handling bulk hold cases.

● Strengthen QC cross-check before sample dispatch.

● Establish structured regulatory monitoring mechanism.

● Improve artwork review process.

● Improve cross-functional communication for high-volume orders.