ghd Formulations Manager

Job Description

ROLE OVERVIEWThe purpose of Formulation Manager role is to develop & manage a range of wet-line styling products, working synergistically with ghds hardware tools. The mission is enabling ambitious growth and value creation via bringing superior products to marketand supporting existing market products with new technical claims / concepts. A formulation science background is essential.JOB ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIESResearch & development

• Identify and understand styling product consumer needs, benefit spaces and brand equity and translate these needs to clear technical design & products briefs
• In depth technical understanding on styling product chemistry to be able to guide innovation and give design direction to internal & external partners
• Work with commercial teams to clearly lay out consumer delights, trends, competitive landscape to proactively guide the design of new product initiatives

• Support the creation of intellectual property and patented technology

• Developing ideas for the innovation pipeline in relevant & compelling ways (stories, claims, demonstrations, new products)
• Co-develop product claims with the ghd marketing team, based on hair science understanding to build the product value proposition.
• Support the transfer of hair science methodologies to repeatable engineering design and production process methods.

New product development process

• Accountable to deliver final product readiness including final product & packaging qualification, claim support, clearances within the given safety, regulatory, IP framework and develop technical product stories and demos to bring to life product superiority
• Translate the needs to technical product briefs with clear quantifiable product performance attributes that enable design of product
• Work with broad range of product suppliers to develop, design and evaluate performance of product options and assess their fit for use
• Manage a portfolio of products and short/mid/long term product innovation
• Update current portfolio in line with regulatory changes
• Align with Project Managers on project status, development and deliverables.
• Lead the scientific claims feasibility and substantiation testing of products to meet Marketing requirements.
• Provide product claims support for the continuous improvement of current ghd products as part of product lifecycle management
• Act as the R&D point contact on styling Wetline with commercial functions, often on multiple projects in parallel, helping to align project objectives, timings, technical content, budget.
• Proactive in identifying and timely resolving of issues and building a strong partnership with commercial & supply chain functions
• Proactive in working with R&D line management to ensure resource sufficiency and realistic project timings and objectives

Test method design & support

• Manage the selection and application of lab equipment for hair science and claims testing.

• Development of methods for product testing and analysis to support market claims and quality control

KEY SKILLS &ATTRIBUTES

• Scientific backgroundBachelors degree or higher in life sciences (preferably Chemistry)
• 5yrs+ experience in FMCG or similar with proven track record of developing new products and delivery of projects to demanding schedules
• Start-up mentality and driven to independently run complex projects & deliver technical readiness
• Resourceful, creative problem solving skills and ability to leverage a network of resources successfully (internal & external) to manage innovation.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with a high level of independence and a drive towards delivery of goals with high level of team spirit and can-do attitude.
• Proven leadership, outstanding interpersonal communication skills and good in stakeholder management (Line-Management, Marketing, External suppliers, Testing institutions, etc).