Demo

Cosmetic Research & Development Manager

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom
Indianapolis, IN Full Time
POSTED ON 8/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/21/2026
We are seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager to lead product development, regulatory compliance, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D department of a cosmetic manufacturing company in Indianapolis. This role will oversee the development of cosmetic products from concept through commercialization while ensuring compliance with GMP and domestic and international regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead formulation and product development for hair color, styling, skincare, and other personal care products.
  • Manage R&D staff, laboratory workflow, training, performance, and safety.
  • Oversee product testing, formula validation, pilot batches, and new component testing.
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, and applicable global regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare and review regulatory submissions, product labeling, and compliance documentation.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, compliance programs, and corrective action plans.
  • Identify opportunities to improve product quality, laboratory processes, efficiency, and risk management.
  • Partner with Quality, Production, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service teams to support business and customer needs.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, documentation, chemical information, and regulatory databases.
  • Support R&D budgeting, capital improvements, and department planning.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
  • Proven management or supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of cosmetic product development, GMP, regulatory compliance, and laboratory practices.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Coptis or similar R&D software is a plus.

Ideal Candidate: A hands-on, detail-oriented leader who combines strong technical expertise with regulatory knowledge and a passion for innovation, product quality, and continuous improvement.

This is a direct hire opportunity with salary commensurate upon level of applicable experience. If you meet the above qualifications, please submit our resume for immediate consideration. #P1

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

Salary : $125,000

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