About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Formulation Technology Transfer Manager to lead the successful transfer of cosmetic formulations from laboratory development into full-scale manufacturing. Reporting to the Technical Director, this role is responsible for ensuring robust, scalable and reproducible manufacturing processes while acting as the technical bridge between R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain.
The successful candidate will combine extensive formulation expertise with strong manufacturing
knowledge to ensure products developed in the laboratory can be manufactured efficiently, consistently and to the highest quality standards.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in bridging innovation and manufacturing, ensuring cutting-edge cosmetic formulations are successfully translated from concept to commercial production. The role offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle, influence manufacturing excellence and shape the future of formulation technology within a fast-paced, innovative business.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Transfer
- Lead the transfer of new formulations from laboratory scale through pilot manufacture to commercial production.
- Develop and execute robust technology transfer plans for all new product launches.
- Ensure formulation processes are scalable, repeatable and suitable for commercial manufacturing.
- Define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) for manufacturing.
- Troubleshoot scale-up challenges and identify technical solutions during pilot and commercial
manufacture.
- Provide hands-on technical support during factory trials, pilot batches and first production runs.
Manufacturing & Operations
- Act as the technical interface between R&D and Manufacturing throughout product development.
- Work closely with Production, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of new products.
- Support manufacturing investigations, CAPAs and root cause analysis relating to formulation and processing issues.
- Optimise manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, yield, robustness and product quality.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across formulation manufacturing.
Technical Leadership
- Provide expert formulation guidance across skincare, body care, haircare and colour cosmetics.
- Review manufacturing documentation including Batch Manufacturing Records, Process Specifications and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Develop processing instructions and manufacturing guidance for new products.
- Mentor formulation scientists and manufacturing teams on formulation technology and scale-up principles.
- Support supplier and contract manufacturer technical discussions where required.
- Collaborate with Quality Control to establish appropriate in-process and finished product specifications.
- Work with Quality Assurance to ensure GMP compliance and robust product documentation.
- Support Procurement and Supply Chain during raw material or manufacturing changes.
- Work alongside Regulatory Affairs to ensure manufacturing changes remain compliant.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Formulation Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline, with a minimum of 15 years’ experience in cosmetic formulation development and manufacturing.
- Extensive technology transfer experience from laboratory to commercial manufacturing, including leading pilot batches, scale-up and first production runs.
- Strong understanding of cosmetic formulation science across multiple product categories.
- Experience in both R&D laboratory and manufacturing/production environments, with a practical, hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges.
- Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and experience working closely with Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Operations teams.
- Excellent troubleshooting, root cause investigation and problem-solving skills.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities; highly organised and methodical.
- Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager, able to translate laboratory science into manufacturing processes and influence cross-functional teams.
- Collaborative and resilient, with a passion for continuous improvement and operational
excellence.
What We Offer
-
Employment Type: This role is offered full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
-
Location: Tropic HQ is a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon.
-
Salary: Competitive
-
Benefits: Hybrid working, up to 33 days’ holiday. Enhanced family leave, Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, life insurance, (All available after a qualifying period). EAP through the Wisdom App, generous product allowance and 50% discount for family and friends, access to retailer discounts, Cycle to Work and Electric Car schemes, free breakfast bar, dog-friendly HQ with a chill zone and pool table, on-site parking, regular social events, and plenty of well-being treats throughout the year.
-
Start Date: Immediate
About Tropic
Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic Skincare as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, and the incredible response made her realise she had started something quite special.
We still sell that iconic body scrub, and it sits alongside an extensive range of award-winning skincare and beauty products that have made us one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty businesses. Our brand is certified vegan, cruelty-free and CarbonNeutral®, and our infinite purpose is to create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. And that’s where you come in!
We’re looking for creative and ambitious people who share our vision and get excited about beauty that’s both innovative and sustainable. If you’re passionate about skincare and have a genuine desire to empower communities across the globe, you could be a great fit.
Apply now if you’re ready to join a vibrant team who believes beauty knows no bounds!
Tropic’s Commitment to Equal Opportunities
Our team is as diverse as it is talented because at Tropic, we go the extra mile to cultivate a culture of respect and belonging. We value every candidate, respect protected characteristics and never discriminate. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process, so if this is something you need, please let our recruitment team know at the earliest opportunity!
Ultimately, the most important thing for us is hiring the best person for the job, so we focus on skills, experience, and qualifications to ensure our process is fair and that our candidates always have a great experience with Tropic.
