Industrial Chemist - Cosmetics Manufacturing & Product Development at Prestigious Consulting Group

Role Overview

• We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Industrial Chemist to support our cosmetics manufacturing and product commercialization initiatives.
• This role is critical to the transition from product concept and pilot formulation to full-scale manufacturing, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and market launch.
• The successful candidate will provide both hands-on technical leadership and advisory support across formulation, production, quality control, process optimization, and regulatory documentation.
• The ideal candidate must have practical experience in cosmetic product manufacturing, understand the operational realities of scaling production, and be capable of working with cross-functional teams including business development, regulatory, production, procurement, and external manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities

Product Formulation & Development:

• Lead the development and refinement of cosmetic formulations including skincare, haircare, personal care, and related products.
• Evaluate raw materials, active ingredients, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, and other cosmetic components for performance, safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct formulation trials, prototype development, and product optimization activities.
• Ensure formulations meet desired sensory, efficacy, and performance standards.
• Recommend suitable ingredient substitutions where necessary without compromising product quality.

Manufacturing & Scale-Up:

• Support the scale-up of products from laboratory or pilot batches to commercial production.
• Develop batch manufacturing procedures and production protocols.
• Work closely with production teams to optimize mixing, heating, cooling, filling, and packaging processes.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks, yield losses, and process inefficiencies.
• Recommend improvements that enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve consistency.

Quality Control & Quality Assurance:

• Develop and implement quality control procedures for raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Establish product specifications, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor batch quality and investigate deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
• Ensure product consistency across production batches.
• Maintain proper quality documentation, records, and traceability systems.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all products comply with NAFDAC regulations and applicable cosmetic manufacturing standards.
• Prepare and review technical documentation required for product registration and regulatory submissions.
• Verify ingredient compliance with national and international cosmetic ingredient restrictions and safety guidelines.
• Support product labeling compliance, claims review, and documentation management.
• Monitor regulatory updates and advise management on compliance implications.

Research, Innovation & Process Improvement:

• Conduct research on emerging cosmetic ingredients, technologies, and industry trends.
• Evaluate opportunities for product innovation and portfolio expansion.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Recommend cost optimization initiatives related to raw materials, formulations, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Support continuous improvement projects across the cosmetics department.

Technical Consultancy & Cross-Functional Support

• Provide technical guidance to internal teams on formulation, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory matters.
• Participate in client-facing consultations where technical expertise is required.
• Collaborate with business development teams on product feasibility, technical proposals, and commercialization planning.
• Support procurement teams in the evaluation and qualification of raw material suppliers.
• Contribute technical insights during product launch and market readiness discussions.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field.

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage.

Experience:

• 3–5 years of practical experience in cosmetic manufacturing, industrial chemistry, product formulation, or related production environments.
• Candidates must have demonstrated experience taking cosmetic products from formulation through manufacturing and market readiness.
• Candidates must have experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to contract manufacturing, pilot production, or scale-up projects is highly desirable.
• Experience providing technical advisory or consultancy services is an advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Cosmetic formulation and ingredient chemistry
• Manufacturing process optimization
• Batch processing and scale-up
• Quality control and laboratory testing
• NAFDAC registration processes
• GMP, quality assurance, and documentation
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Raw material evaluation and supplier qualification
• Data analysis and technical reporting

Core Competencies:

• Strong scientific reasoning and problem-solving ability
• Excellent attention to detail and quality orientation
• Ability to analyze formulation and production data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong cross-functional collaboration capability
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Results-driven mindset with focus on production and commercialization outcomes