Head of Research And Development

Head – Research & Development (FMCG,Beauty & Personal Care)About CompanyGhar Soaps is a skin care brand based in Pune, dedicated to simplifying skin care routines for effective results. Our brand's mission is to make skin care simple and accessible to all individuals. With a focus on natural ingredients and straightforward products, Ghar Soaps aims to enhance the skin care experience for customers.Role SummaryThe Head of R&D will lead advanced formulation Development, product innovation, Stability and technical strategy for the beauty and cosmetics division. The role requires deep scientific expertise, leadership in formulation development, and a passion for innovation that bridges research with commercial success. The individual will drive the brand’s next-generation product pipeline — blending modern science with sustainable, effective beauty solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesInnovation & Formula Development· Lead and oversee all formulation and product development activities skincare, haircare, and beauty and personal products· Apply scientific research and advanced formulation techniques to develop safe, stable, and high-performing products.· Explore and validate new molecules, actives, and natural bio-ingredients aligned with brand positioning.· Design and supervise clinical efficacy studies, product stability, compatibility, and sensory evaluations.· Partner with marketing and brand teams to translate consumer trends into scientifically-backed formulations.Technical & Regulatory Compliance· Ensure adherence to GMP, BIS, FDA, and ISO 22716 cosmetic regulations for all formulations.· Oversee preparation of Product Information Files (PIF), MSDS, COA, and ingredient documentation.· Ensure product claims validation through third-party labs, dermatological testing, and safety assessments.· Maintain and review all documentation for regulatory submissions and audits.Process & Scale-Up Leadership· Lead pilot production trials, process optimization, and technology transfers to manufacturing units.· Troubleshoot technical issues during scale-up and ensure reproducibility of formulations in bulk production.· Work closely with Production, QC, and QA teams to ensure batch consistency and quality excellence.Research Leadership & Collaboration· Drive scientific innovation through new formulation technologies, ingredient chemistry, and process improvements.· Collaborate with universities, research labs, and suppliers on emerging technologies and co-development projects.· Guide a team of formulators to deliver innovative, high-quality product outcomes.Strategic Direction & Innovation Pipeline· Develop and execute the long-term R&D roadmap aligned with business goals and consumer trends.· Identify white spaces for innovation in ingredients, textures, and product formats.· Support cost-optimization and sustainability initiatives without compromising product performance.Key Skills & Competencies· Deep expertise in cosmetic chemistry, formulation science, and product stability.· Strong understanding of dermatological science, raw material functionality, and sensory properties.· Familiarity with analytical methods and instrumentation used in formulation validation.· Proven track record of scientific leadership and cross-functional collaboration.· Excellent knowledge of GMP, ISO 22716, BIS, and cosmetic compliance frameworks.· Strategic thinking, innovation mindset, and strong communication skills.Qualifications· Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or Chemical Engineering.· 12–18 years of experience in cosmetic, beauty, or personal care R&D, including formulation leadership.· Proven success in developing innovative, market-winning formulations and leading technical teams.· Exposure to international cosmetic regulations and product development standards preferred.