Job Description

Technical Manager - Personal Care & Cosmetics

Location:

Paarden Eiland, Cape Town

Industry:

FMCG / Personal Care Manufacturing

A well-established manufacturing business supplying personal care and cosmetic FMCG products to major South African retailers is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to manage its R&D, Technical, Regulatory, and Quality systems functions. This senior role requires a blend of scientific expertise, operational leadership, and strategic oversight to ensure that all product development, compliance, and technical governance requirements are met in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Development Leadership

Lead the R&D function with accountability for innovation pipeline delivery, resource planning, performance management, and workflow prioritisation. Translate marketing briefs into scientifically sound formulation strategies aligned with cost, performance, and brand objectives. Establish and enforce best-practice R&D standards, documentation, and laboratory processes. Provide coaching and technical mentorship to Development & Research Chemist and Laboratory staff. Lead development of all new personal care products per approved briefs. Ensure product files are opened and maintained with accurate, complete technical documentation. Oversee raw material feasibility research, ingredient selection, and supplier evaluations. Manage all required product testing, including stability, compatibility, challenge, dermatological, and user trials. Liaise collaboratively with the Buyer and Development Chemist on raw material sourcing, alternatives, and risk mitigation. Review and troubleshoot formulation challenges, deviations, or performance concerns. Manage and approve raw material changes necessitated by supply or regulatory updates. Own costings for all new products and cost optimisation initiatives. Review and approve changes in costings arising from fluctuations or supply issues. Ensure preparation and external distribution of professionally presented samples for testing and evaluation. Ensure QC receives final product standards and written specifications once pilot batches are approved. Deliver final, compliant ingredient listings for artwork. Coordinate artwork approval with all stakeholders and ensure alignment with regulations. Approve and sign off manufacturing instructions. Sign off the final product standard before handover to Production and Quality.

2. Laboratory Oversight (R&D Laboratory & QC Laboratory)

Provide leadership and performance oversight to R&D and QC teams. Ensure alignment between laboratory capabilities and company growth plans. Develop training plans, SOPs, and competency matrices for laboratory staff. Drive a culture of scientific excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement. Ensure all new products undergo required testing including stability, compatibility, challenge etc review and sign off results: Ensure claims validation processes are followed and ensure all required user trial, clinical and other necessary testing is complete with validated results. Approve final formulas and ensure accurate documentation on the system, including weekly test results and manufacturing instructions. Provide oversight, guidance, and performance management of the QC laboratory.

3. Regulatory Affairs Management

Act as the company's Regulatory Authority Representative, both locally and internationally. Lead regulatory intelligence activities, ensuring proactive identification of changes impacting formulations, artwork, and compliance. Ensure team adherence to documentation standards and regulatory SOPs. Provide regulatory guidance to cross-functional teams. Maintain and update all product files and flag future changes due to regulatory or supply risks. Create new product files according to internal procedure and keep all existing product files s and current.

4. Manufacturing Support & Scale-Up

Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between Technical and Production teams. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in scale-up, batch consistency, and technical issue resolution. Support the development of technical training for Production teams. Support Manufacturing in troubleshooting technical issues during production batches. Recommend necessary formula or process adjustments. Ensure final approval of Production Standards.

5. Compliance, Governance & Quality Management Systems

Own the end-to-end quality management system (QMS) structure, ensuring alignment with business objectives, retailer requirements, and global best practices. Lead audits (internal & external) and drive corrective/preventative actions (CAPA). Ensure robust systems for complaints handling, traceability, and documentation control. Maintain alignment with CTFA, EU/UK cosmetics regulations, and all local legal requirements. Manage the full complaints-handling system, root-cause investigations, CAPA, and reporting. Set GMP standards, internal audit schedules, and oversee all GMP audits. Communicate retailer, licensor, and regulatory requirements across the organisation. Provide training on continuous improvement methods and regulatory updates.. Oversee regulatory compliance, artwork changes, legal updates, environmental regulations, and cross-department training and communication.

6. Export Regulatory Management

Lead export regulatory strategy across multiple regions. Manage liaison with external consultants or regulatory specialists for international compliance. Coordinate product or artwork changes required for export market compliance Manage formulation and artwork adjustments for export markets. Prepare, issue, and verify export documentation.

Leadership & Soft Skills Expectations

Strong leadership with the ability to coach and develop technical teams. Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder engagement. Strong project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills. High level of scientific rigor, problem-solving capability, and decision-making. Ability to interpret complex regulatory frameworks and translate them into business-friendly processes. Continuous improvement mindset with strong attention to detail.
Based on site in Paarden Eiland

Remuneration: R35 000 - R50 000 monthly dependant on experience

Requirements:

BSc Chemistry/Biochemistry, or equivalent scientific degree. Coschem Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Minimum 4-6 years' experience in cosmetic or personal care product development, R&D, technical operations, or regulatory affairs within the South African FMCG sector. Strong working knowledge of CTFA guidelines, local cosmetic regulations, and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Experience managing or contributing to GMP, QMS, and audit compliance in a South African manufacturing environment Hands-on experience in laboratory oversight, stability testing, microbiological requirements, and product safety compliance. Strong project management, documentation, and technical reporting skills. Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Production, Procurement, and Quality. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to internal and external stakeholders. High attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset. Willingness to stay up to date with EU cosmetic regulations and interpret the impact for the South African market.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: R35000,00 - R50000,00 per month

Work Location: In person