R&D NPD Product Developer

Role: Product Developer - Research and Development
Location: Agecroft, Manchester
Contract: Permanent

WHY US AND WHY THIS ROLE

Seize the opportunity to be part of a unique business with an exciting vision for the future - where we dare to be bold, discover what’s possible, and do incredible. Dare. Discover. Do.

At PZ Cussons, we offer five big reasons that people join and stay: Futureproof Our Brands, Create Your Own Impact, Accelerate Your Craft, Flexibility to Perform, And Collaborate with Intent.

As a Product Developer, you'll help bring consumer-loved beauty and personal care products to life, from early ideas through to launch. Working across our portfolio, you'll combine science, creativity and collaboration to develop products that delight consumers while supporting ambitious brand growth. This is an opportunity to balance innovation and renovation, shaping both exciting new launches and improvements to existing favourites. You'll work closely with colleagues across R&D, Marketing, Packaging, Consumer Insights and Supply Chain, influencing decisions that directly impact product performance, quality and speed to market.

This is a role where your work can be seen on shelves and in consumers' homes. You'll play a key part in turning insight into products people love, while developing your technical expertise within a business that encourages curiosity, learning and innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Develop and optimise personal care and beauty formulations that deliver outstanding consumer experiences while meeting quality, safety and commercial goals.

• Turn consumer insights and brand ambitions into effective product solutions that are ready for successful launch.

• Work with cross-functional teams to keep projects moving forward, ensuring milestones are achieved on time and within budget.

• Support scale-up and manufacturing activities, helping products transition smoothly from the laboratory into production.

• Build strong partnerships with suppliers and innovation partners to explore new ingredients, technologies and formulation opportunities.

• Drive robust testing and technical documentation to ensure products meet regulatory, performance and quality requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience developing products within personal care, beauty or related consumer goods categories.

• A solid understanding of formulation science, raw materials and laboratory-based product development.

• Knowledge of product testing, regulatory requirements and manufacturing processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities and project timelines.

• A collaborative approach, with confidence working across different teams and disciplines.

• Curiosity, initiative and a passion for exploring new technologies, ingredients and trends.