R&D Manager
Pharmaceuticals ~ Research
Cape Town – Western Cape – South Africa
Join a leading beauty products manufacturer as their R&D Manager, where you will lead laboratory activities, drive product innovation, and manage critical projects from raw material changes to post-launch success.
This role is ideal for a scientific professional with a strong background in formulation, compliance, and leadership. You will ensure the smooth progression of multiple R&D initiatives while mentoring a team and maintaining operational excellence.
This is a critical leadership role for someone passionate about driving innovation and excellence in product development.
Minimum Requirements:
- BSc in a scientific field, with Coschem Diploma / Cosmetic Formulation Diploma.
- Postgraduate qualification in Project Management.
- 6–8 years in cosmetic R&D, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects within time and budget.
Key Skills & Responsibilities:
- Oversee R&D lab operations and project timelines.
- Manage changes to raw materials, packaging, and stability testing.
- Lead cross-functional meetings and project reviews.
- Draft, maintain, and enforce departmental SOPs.
- Collaborate with QA and Manufacturing on troubleshooting and quality issues.
- Manage documentation, BOMs (Syspro), IEP/CEP samples, and MMI records.
- Lead and develop the R&D team; assess training needs and conduct appraisals.
- Support budget planning and manage consumables and equipment procurement.
- Compile raw material files and present monthly performance reports.