The Body Shop
Cupar Muir, Fife
Your role in a nutshell Do you have hands on formulation experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive continuous improvement and ensure product excellence? We are seeking a detail oriented and technically skilled Cosmetic Formula Chemist on a 12 month fixed term basis to support the maintenance and optimization of our existing product portfolio across skincare, haircare, and bath & body categories. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the continued success of our iconic products by leading reformulation, troubleshooting, compliance updates, and cost saving initiatives. You will also contribute to VRE projects through open innovation, ensuring timely delivery of high quality products that reflect The Body Shop's values and meet evolving consumer expectations More about the role Formula External Development & Maintenance Lead formulation projects with external partners from brief to launch, ensuring safety, performance, and brand alignment. Brief external partners (vendors, labs, manufacturers, academia) on formulation requirements and scope. Evaluate sample sensoriality, conformity and ensure timely feedback and iteration. Support external partners as required to successful industrialization and scale up Existing Product Development & Optimization Support reformulation and improvement of existing products to enhance performance, compliance, or consumer experience. Lead troubleshooting efforts for in market products, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions from Formula perspective. Support regulatory updates and raw material substitutions to maintain compliance and continuity. Project Coordination & Productivity Ensure cohesive partnership with all parties in managing timelines, risks, and backup plans to secure launch readiness. Ensure timely execution and documentation of all required tests (stability, safety, challenge, etc.). Efficiently use available tools and systems to maintain accurate records and official documentation across development phases in a timely manner. Technical Analysis & Support Conduct technical data analysis to support risk assessments and business decisions. Provide expert input on formulation related issues and propose corrective actions. Build relationships with internal teams (Brand, Packaging, Safety, Procurement, etc.) and external partners. Ensure smooth flow of information and samples across all stakeholders. Represent R&D in cross functional meetings and project reviews. Propose processes improvements where applicable What we look for Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of cosmetic formulation and product development processes; Strong understanding of safety, stability, and regulatory testing Project & Process Management Skilled in managing multiple projects with tight timelines and cross functional coordination; Ability to assess risks, plan contingencies, and ensure launch readiness; Analytical & Problem Solving Sharp analytical thinking for evaluating samples, test results, and technical data; Solution oriented mindset for troubleshooting formulation and production issues Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholder engagement; Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships with vendors, labs, and cross functional teams Passion for exploring new formats, technologies, and consumer driven solutions; Qualifications and Experience- •Bachelor's degree level in Chemistry / Cosmetic science/ Pharmacy •Knowledge of technical English •3-5 years of proven experience in cosmetic formulation development, ideally within a fast paced, innovation driven environment •Demonstrated success in leading product development projects from concept to launch •Hands on experience collaborating with external partners such as vendors, laboratories, and contract manufacturers •Strong background in managing formulation testing (stability, safety, challenge, contaminants) and production scale up •Familiarity with regulatory standards and documentation processes in the cosmetics industry As well as a competitive salary, here are just a few of the rewards that you can look forward to if you join us: a 6% non contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount and access to product sample sales, access to Perks at Work, our online shopping channel with exclusive deals & discounts, as well as LOVE money to spend on your wellbeing and personal development.
Your role in a nutshell Do you have hands on formulation experience, strong analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive continuous improvement and ensure product excellence? We are seeking a detail oriented and technically skilled Cosmetic Formula Chemist on a 12 month fixed term basis to support the maintenance and optimization of our existing product portfolio across skincare, haircare, and bath & body categories. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the continued success of our iconic products by leading reformulation, troubleshooting, compliance updates, and cost saving initiatives. You will also contribute to VRE projects through open innovation, ensuring timely delivery of high quality products that reflect The Body Shop's values and meet evolving consumer expectations More about the role Formula External Development & Maintenance Lead formulation projects with external partners from brief to launch, ensuring safety, performance, and brand alignment. Brief external partners (vendors, labs, manufacturers, academia) on formulation requirements and scope. Evaluate sample sensoriality, conformity and ensure timely feedback and iteration. Support external partners as required to successful industrialization and scale up Existing Product Development & Optimization Support reformulation and improvement of existing products to enhance performance, compliance, or consumer experience. Lead troubleshooting efforts for in market products, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions from Formula perspective. Support regulatory updates and raw material substitutions to maintain compliance and continuity. Project Coordination & Productivity Ensure cohesive partnership with all parties in managing timelines, risks, and backup plans to secure launch readiness. Ensure timely execution and documentation of all required tests (stability, safety, challenge, etc.). Efficiently use available tools and systems to maintain accurate records and official documentation across development phases in a timely manner. Technical Analysis & Support Conduct technical data analysis to support risk assessments and business decisions. Provide expert input on formulation related issues and propose corrective actions. Build relationships with internal teams (Brand, Packaging, Safety, Procurement, etc.) and external partners. Ensure smooth flow of information and samples across all stakeholders. Represent R&D in cross functional meetings and project reviews. Propose processes improvements where applicable What we look for Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of cosmetic formulation and product development processes; Strong understanding of safety, stability, and regulatory testing Project & Process Management Skilled in managing multiple projects with tight timelines and cross functional coordination; Ability to assess risks, plan contingencies, and ensure launch readiness; Analytical & Problem Solving Sharp analytical thinking for evaluating samples, test results, and technical data; Solution oriented mindset for troubleshooting formulation and production issues Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholder engagement; Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships with vendors, labs, and cross functional teams Passion for exploring new formats, technologies, and consumer driven solutions; Qualifications and Experience- •Bachelor's degree level in Chemistry / Cosmetic science/ Pharmacy •Knowledge of technical English •3-5 years of proven experience in cosmetic formulation development, ideally within a fast paced, innovation driven environment •Demonstrated success in leading product development projects from concept to launch •Hands on experience collaborating with external partners such as vendors, laboratories, and contract manufacturers •Strong background in managing formulation testing (stability, safety, challenge, contaminants) and production scale up •Familiarity with regulatory standards and documentation processes in the cosmetics industry As well as a competitive salary, here are just a few of the rewards that you can look forward to if you join us: a 6% non contributory pension plan, 23 days holiday, 50% staff discount and access to product sample sales, access to Perks at Work, our online shopping channel with exclusive deals & discounts, as well as LOVE money to spend on your wellbeing and personal development.