Director Of Research & Development

Female founder. Skincare trailblazer. Skin Health Expert. For over two decades, Kate Somerville has been treating skin and transforming lives. In 2004, after working alongside some of the world’s top cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists, Kate opened her iconic Skin Health Experts Clinic in the heart of Hollywood and soon after made her iconic products available to help heal skin all over the world.

Kate Somerville Skincare is looking for an ambitious, talented and product obsessed candidate to make a wide-ranging impact across the business and will play a crucial role in the delivery of our growth ambition by playing a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of our skincare products. You will lead all aspects of testing, stability, claims, and clinicals, as well as contribute to the development of new innovative products. This key role will work closely with Marketing, Product Development, Project Management, Operations and Manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all testing processes, including PET, HRIPT, safety testing, packaging compatibility, and miscellaneous product testing.
• Develop and implement OTC testing protocols, stability testing, method validation, SPF, and critical wavelength testing.
• Coordinate and attend pilot batches, filling trials, and evaluate bulk and finished goods batch approval submissions.
• Optimize lab batch procedures and conduct scale-up testing on new formulations.
• Collaborate with PD and formulator to recommend active ingredients for new products.
• Maintain a standard library for all approved formulas.
• Develop and maintain prohibited ingredient lists, specialty lists (e.g., for Pregnancies and Nut Allergies), and Kate Somerville's fragrance library.
• Address customer service inquiries related to ingredients, formulas, and adverse product reactions.
• Address technical inquiries during the patent application process.
• Organize and maintain all electronic and hard copy R&D files.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, including FDA, and control critical documents.
• Qualify raw materials for China, support Made in China products, and retrieve Annex 14 for China initiative.
• Coordinate with Operations on filling trials for new products.
• Address vendor and Contract Manufacturer (CM) raw material needs, with a focus on critical needs due to Covid.
• Conduct UL assessments for raw materials on sustainability and biodegradability.
• Qualify raw materials for the China market.
• Attend trade shows, industry seminars, and virtual meetings to source new ingredients, vendors, and stay updated on industry trends and regulations.
• Track and manage R&D/PD budget and invoicing.
• Document and route SOPs, project briefs, and timelines.
• Provide training on SOPs and ensure the documentation integrity of critical documents.
• Collaborate with PD, Formulator, Marketing, and Training teams for seamless project execution.

Skills, Experience and Education Required:

• Bachelors’ Degree or advanced degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field Minimum 5+ years (10 preferred) in skincare or cosmetic industry R&D and testing. Innovation experience in skincare and global compliance experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic thinker who also maintains strong attention to detail and delivers with excellence.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills. Experience data analysis.
• Highly collaborative with exceptional cross functional team-building skills with demonstrated success developing, managing, and leading highly effective teams in agile environments.
• High sense of urgency with ability to execute under accelerated time frames and quickly adapt to change in priorities.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to build successful relationships with internal and external teams.
• Self-motivated and flexible; ability to adapt quickly to change.
• Ability to both lead strategically as well as willing to jump into the details to get work done quickly and effectively
• Travel up to 20% as required.

This is a hybrid position and requires being in our El Segundo office 2 days/week (Tuesday & Wednesday).

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The expected base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget.

This position is also eligible for participation in the company discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results.