Benefit Cosmetics Technical Innovation Director (Oakland, CA)

Job Title: Director, Technical Innovation Department: R&D and Launch/Execution Location: Logistics Center; Oakland, CA Employee Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Summary:

This position is an incredibly diverse role of a Technical/Science person coupled with a creative passion for cosmetic formulas! Must be a creative and curious natured individual! The Director, Technical Innovation must be able to interface effectively and establish quick credibility and confidence with both the Creative/Marketing Teams as well as the Technical Teams. This requires a blend of being flexible and structured at the same time, balancing both for each side of the business of cross-functional teams.

Essential duties and requirements:

• Acts as the primary contact on Innovation Research and Development Projects with Product Marketing Innovation team and internal LC R&D team
• Work closely with SF teams and LC teams – clearly bridging between both so the scope of the Innovation product is understood and submissions are shared and evaluated with the LC teams
• Collaborate in Innovation brainstorm meetings and develop ideas for new products, product features and functionality
• Act as Technical R&D Advisor to Product Marketing Innovation teams as well as LC and Supplier Technical teams with respect to new innovation formulas, scale-up
• Scout out new raw material trends, ingredient stories and propose to Product Marketing Innovation Teams
• Actively work with raw material suppliers – coordinating presentations and research as required
• Stay abreast of new technologies in both raw materials and formula/processing techniques and textures (example: HD pigments, baked/pressed/slurry manufacturing techniques…)
• Create Product Profiles for Innovation Products
• Participate in Panel Testing with Product Marketing Innovation team for evaluation of Innovation Products
• Create “In Use” testing questionnaire and collaborate with Product Marketing Innovation teams to ensure that all attributes intended for product are tested
• Work closely with direct supervisor on determination and evaluation of “innovativeness” of proposed new products
• Pricing – Work closely with direct supervisor on innovative products in the pipeline giving visibility to the cost of innovation
• Feasibility – Work closely with direct supervisor on determining feasibility of innovative products (time and money)

Qualifications:

• Must possess a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, other sciences or related fields as well as 5+ years experience in developing new product formulas/new technologies for personal care products, color cosmetics or other related industry
• Ability to work well with both technical groups as well as strong ability to work creatively and bring technical expertise without inhibiting innovation/creativity
• Must have broad knowledge of personal care ingredients. Knowledge of available raw materials, pigments, emulsions, powders and the suppliers that produce them is required
• He/she must be a true team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as a demonstrated ability to multitask and work within a matrix organizational structure
• Strong analytical skills, MS Office tools
• Strong presentation skills and experience are required
• Ability to travel as needed
• Color Cosmetics background strongly desired
• Experience working with Brand Marketing/Creatives a strong plus
• Strong color matching skills, ability to communicate color redirection
• Understanding how to scale up a formula, manufacture it and package the product within FDA regulations a plus
• Active member of Society Cosmetic Chemist
• Inspiring & Motivating Others – ensures others have what they need to succeed; enables others to perform at their best by providing structure & the right information

How To Apply:

Send or Email your resume, cover letter, and/or any other relevant materials to:
starsearch@benefitcosmetics.com
685 Market Street 7th Floor
San Francisco CA 94105

In your cover letter, please be sure to address the following questions:
1) The job for which you are applying
2) The date you are available to start
3) The reason you want to work with us
4) How you heard about us


Posted by Kris Iringan