Job Description

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