FMCG — Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Job Title: Manager – Hair Color Development
Location: Mumbai
Department: Research & Development – Hair Care / Hair Color
Experience: 8–10 Years
Reporting To: Head – Hair Care Product Development
We are looking for an experienced Manager – Hair Color Development to lead the end-to-end development of hair color products, from concept formulation to commercial launch. The role involves hair color formulation, shade development, raw material sourcing, product testing, scale-up, technology transfer and team leadership.
1. Hair Color Formulation & Product Development
Lead the development of permanent, demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair color products, including developers, bleach/lighteners and color-care products.
Develop formulations based on consumer insights, marketing briefs and product requirements.
Manage shade matching, shade extensions, color charts and swatch evaluation on hair tresses.
Oversee stability, compatibility, performance and safety testing, including gray coverage and fade resistance.
Drive product scale-up, technology transfer and commercial launches in coordination with manufacturing and third-party manufacturers.
Troubleshoot formulation and production issues and implement cost optimization initiatives.
2. Raw Material Sourcing & Supplier Management
Identify, evaluate and qualify raw materials, including dye intermediates, couplers, direct dyes, alkalizers, surfactants and conditioning agents.
Coordinate with suppliers and procurement teams for sourcing, cost negotiations and alternate-source development.
Review technical documentation, including CoA, SDS and TDS, and support supplier qualification and audits.
Explore new ingredients and technologies for innovative hair color formulations, including ammonia-free, PPD-free and natural/henna-based solutions.
3. Team & Project Management
Lead, mentor and develop a team of chemists and technicians.
Manage multiple development projects, timelines, budgets and stage-gate milestones.
Collaborate with marketing, procurement, quality, regulatory and manufacturing teams.
Prepare technical presentations and communicate product development progress and recommendations to senior leadership.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science/Technology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy or a related discipline.
8–10 years of hands-on experience in hair color formulation and product development within FMCG, personal care, cosmetics or professional salon brands.
Demonstrated experience in taking hair color products or shade ranges from concept to commercial launch.
Strong knowledge of oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye chemistry, color theory, shade formulation and hair fiber science.
Experience in raw material evaluation, supplier management, sourcing and cost optimization.
At least 2–3 years of team leadership or cross-functional project leadership experience.
Working knowledge of cosmetic regulations, hair dye safety assessment and claims substantiation.
Proficiency in MS Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel; familiarity with colorimeters/spectrophotometers is preferred.
Preferred Background: Candidates from hair color-focused organizations such as Godrej, L’Oréal, Kevin Care, Hygienic Research and Yutika (formerly Pream Heena), or similar hair color and henna-based product companies.
Interested candidates may share their updated CV along with current CTC, expected CTC and notice period.