At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and client relationships in the cosmetic industry.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturer of innovative cosmetic and personal care products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for hands-on innovation and team leadership.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team, shaping trends and making a real impact in the beauty sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in formulation, client engagement, and a commercial mindset are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about cosmetics and eager to mentor others.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially astute senior development chemist within the cosmetic and personal care industry? Are you currently or wanting to lead your own small team of chemists and technicians? Still want to be hands on, innovating products and sharing your wealth of cosmetic chemistry knowledge, but have a flair for commercially focused customer contact? Want to be a part of a growing business in a beautiful part of the UK? This could be exactly what you are looking for.
An expanding manufacturer of cosmetic and personal care products has partnered with Woodstock Recruitment to help them hire a technical manager to their team. The successful applicant will hold several years as a senior formulator, likely have some team management responsibility and be looking for their next step, whilst retaining the desire to be a hands on chemist.
What you will do:
- Product Development
- Lead end-to-end formulation across skincare and personal care.
- Work quickly, iterate smartly.
- Make sure everything scales: you’ll work closely with production to get it right the first time.
- Stay sharp on trends, actives, and compliance.
- Client Relationships
- Be the go-to chemist in key meetings.
- Build strong relationships — clients should want to work with you again.
- Flag new opportunities. If you hear a need, pitch a solution.
- Support the sales team by giving them smart, technical ideas they can run with.
- Business Development
- Turn briefs into bigger briefs. Spot where you can add value.
- Help shape new concepts and drive the NPD pipeline from the lab side.
- Translate what’s happening in the market into things that can be commercialised.
- Stay close to top clients — the best development chemists are trusted partners, not order takers.
- Lab Leadership
- Set the bar high — on formulation quality, lab housekeeping, and pace of work.
- Mentor junior team members, show them how it’s done.
- Keep lab systems tight — keeping visibility across projects and priorities.
- Help build a lab that wins and keeps serious business.
What you will need:
- Real formulation expertise — ideally across skincare, hair, body, etc.
- Confidence in front of clients. You speak clearly and back yourself technically.
- A commercial mindset.
- Process discipline, but you’re not rigid. You know when to move fast.
- Strong attention to detail and a sense of pride in your work.
Bonus if you also have:
- Experience in a client-facing or commercially-focused chemist role.
- Existing client relationships.
- Knowledge of cosmetic compliance (UK, EU, global).
- A finger on the pulse of what’s hot — TikTok to trade shows.
Senior Chemist / Technical Manager employer: WOODSTOCK RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Contact Detail:
WOODSTOCK RECRUITMENT LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Chemist / Technical Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the cosmetic and personal care industry. Attend trade shows, seminars, and workshops to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships in this field can give you an edge when applying for a role like Senior Chemist or Technical Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in cosmetic chemistry. Follow industry publications, blogs, and social media channels to ensure you’re aware of what’s hot in the market. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in product development and team management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led projects, mentored junior chemists, and built client relationships. This will showcase your hands-on experience and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company’s products and their unique selling points. Understanding their current offerings and how you can contribute to their growth will set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your discussions to highlight how your expertise aligns with their business goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Chemist / Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cosmetic formulation and any team management roles you've held. Emphasise your hands-on approach and any successful product developments you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the cosmetic industry and your desire to lead a team. Mention specific examples of how you've built client relationships and contributed to business development in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your formulation expertise and any knowledge of cosmetic compliance. Highlight your commercial mindset and ability to translate market trends into actionable product ideas.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your technical knowledge and how you can contribute to the company's growth. Prepare examples of past successes in product development and client interactions that demonstrate your value as a trusted partner.
How to prepare for a job interview at WOODSTOCK RECRUITMENT LIMITED
✨Showcase Your Formulation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in product development, particularly in skincare and personal care. Highlight specific formulations you've worked on and how they were successfully scaled for production.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Skills
Think of examples where you've built strong relationships with clients. Be ready to explain how you’ve turned client needs into successful solutions and how you can support the sales team with technical insights.
✨Exhibit a Commercial Mindset
Prepare to discuss how you can add value to the business beyond just formulation. Share ideas on how to spot new opportunities and drive the NPD pipeline, showing that you understand the commercial aspects of the role.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Abilities
If you have experience leading a team, be sure to highlight it. Discuss how you set high standards in the lab and how you mentor junior chemists, demonstrating your ability to foster a productive and innovative work environment.