Technical Jobs

Drive next-generation formulas, products and technology.

Discover industry roles, salaries, benefits and more in our Salary Survey & Industry Report.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Junior / Senior
Salary range

£24,000 – £35,000

A Cosmetic Laboratory Technician assists with the development, testing, and quality control of beauty products. They analyse samples, assist with formulations, conduct safety and stability tests, monitor quality and manage stock. Candidates typically need at least 4 GCSEs, including a Science A-level.

QUALITY CONTROL

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£24,000 – £45,000

A Quality Control Technician / Chemist / Manager ensures that beauty and personal care products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products for consistency, stability, and performance. They conduct various tests, such as pH, viscosity, and microbial testing, to ensure products are safe for use and meet the required specifications. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a relevant scientific discipline.

MICROBIOLOGIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£25,000 – £50,000

A Microbiologist in cosmetics tests raw materials and finished products for harmful microorganisms to ensure safety. They monitor production environments, implement sterilization processes, and help develop preservation systems to maintain product quality and compliance with regulations. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field.

PROCESS CHEMIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£25,000 – £65,000

A Cosmetic Process Chemist / Scale Up Chemist focuses on developing and optimising manufacturing processes for the production of beauty and personal care products. They design, test, and improve chemical processes to ensure efficiency, consistency, and product quality. Process chemists work to scale up formulations from the lab to full production, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They also collaborate with production teams to implement new processes and enhance overall performance. Candidates are expected to have a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field.

PRODUCTION CHEMIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£25,000 – £65,000

A Production or Manufacturing Chemist in cosmetics is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process of beauty and personal care products. They ensure the proper mixing of ingredients, monitor production equipment, and maintain consistent product quality. Production chemists also troubleshoot any issues that arise during production, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and help optimise processes for efficiency and quality control. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field.

FORMULATION / DEVELOPMENT CHEMIST

Junior / Senior
Salary range

£25,000 – £60,000

A Junior or Senior Cosmetic Development Chemist creates and develops formulations for new cosmetic products, or reengineers existing products. They might focus on one category, hair care, skin care, personal care, fragrance, bath and body, sun care or colour cosmetics, or work across a number of product areas. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or other Science

PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£25,000 – £75,000

A Product Technologist supports the technical aspects of the product development process, ensuring products are safe, legal and compliant with relevant standards. They are responsible for shaping and implementing processes that uphold quality, compliance, sustainability, and ethical standards throughout product development. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in cosmetic Science, Chemistry or a related scientific field.

TOXICOLOGIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£25,000 – £80,000

A Cosmetic Toxicologist evaluates the safety of ingredients used in cosmetic products. They assess potential health risks, conduct safety testing, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their work helps protect consumers from harmful substances. They play a key role in developing safe and effective beauty products. Candidates for this role are generally expected to have a degree in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field. Many also hold a Master’s or PhD in toxicology and additional certifications or training in cosmetics safety can be beneficial.

INNOVATION CHEMIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£28,000 – £150,000

An Innovation Chemist focuses on developing cutting-edge products and technologies to meet market trends and consumer demands. They research and experiment with new ingredients, formulations, and technologies to create innovative beauty and personal care solutions. Candidates for this role are generally expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and often a Master’s or PhD.

R&D CHEMIST

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£28,000 – £150,000

An R&D Chemist focuses on research and innovation, exploring new ingredients, technologies, and formulations. Their work involves experimenting with new concepts and scientific advancements to create novel products or improve existing ones. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and often a Master’s or PhD.

QUALITY ASSURANCE/MANAGER

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£40,000 – £120,000

A QA or Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for setting up the processes used to measure and assure the quality of a product. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, or a related scientific field.

REGULATORY AFFAIRS / COMPLIANCE

Junior / Senior / Manager / Director
Salary range

£28,000 – £140,000

A Compliance or Regulatory Affairs Officer / Manager / Director ensures products meet all legal and regulatory requirements. They review formulations, manage safety assessments, and ensure all documentation is submitted to authorities. They stay updated on regulatory changes and work with teams to resolve compliance issues, ensuring products are safe and compliant. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and many also have a Master’s or PhD.

TECHNICAL SALES

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£40,000 – £120,000

A Technical Sales Manager or Representative sells the raw materials, chemicals and actives to the Cosmetic and Beauty brands and contract manufacturers. Often from a scientific or chemist background they sell to the technical teams and buyers. Candidates for this role are expected to have a Chemistry, Biology or Cosmetic Science Degree, Master’s, or PhD.

TECHNICAL MARKETING

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£38,000 – £125,000

A Junior / Senior Technical Marketing Manager focuses on communicating the technical benefits of products, creating engaging content and campaigns. They provide support with product launches, develop compelling marketing materials with technical information and help position products in the market effectively. Candidates for this role are expected to have a Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or a related scientific degree with additional Marketing qualifications or have a Marketing degree with a keen interest in science and ingredients.

PATENT ENGINEER

Junior / Senior / Manager
Salary range

£35,000 – £180,000

A Patent Chemist will ensure a cosmetic formulation or manufacturing process is unique and will put a patent on it so no one else can copy it. They will also try to prove other companies’ formulations aren’t unique and take their patent title away so they can use similar formulations or processes. For this Technical Beauty and Cosmetic job, candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or other life science, and many also have a Master’s or PhD.

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST

Senior / Manager / Director
Salary range

£40,000 – £100,000

Principal Scientist Jobs or Research Chemists investigate the properties, components and processes of chemical raw materials and formulations to develop cosmetic products, methods of manufacture, process or procedures to make new products, often looking at blue sky innovation. Candidates for jobs like this are expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and a Master’s or PhD

R&D PROJECT MANAGER

Junior / Senior / Manager / Director
Salary range

£30,000 – £80,000

A R&D Project Manager, takes the cosmetic project from concept to production or shelf, ensuring all research, development and production is fit for purpose. They liaise with many different departments within the business to ensure products are ready on time and in full. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree or Masters in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or other Sciences.

TECHNICAL MANAGER

Manager
Salary range

£50,000 – £180,000

A Cosmetic Technical Manager manages, motivates and trains the team in the laboratory, selects raw materials, interacts with clients and suppliers to create innovative and effective products and drive the business forward. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree or Master’s in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry or other Sciences

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Director
Salary range

£60,000 – £300,000

A Technical Director leads the technical team, drives strategy and direction, innovation and compliance for all existing cosmetic products and NPD. They interact with clients and suppliers to drive the business forward. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and often a Master’s or PhD.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Salary range

£80,000 – £300,000

A Qualified Person (QP) in cosmetics takes overall responsibility for the finished cosmetic product. They ensure products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before market release. They review formulations, conduct quality checks, and ensure compliance with regulations, certifying that products are safe and legally compliant. Candidates for this role are expected to have a degree in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science, and many have a Master’s or PhD.

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