The Head of R&D - Personal Care (Ayurvedic & Herbal) will lead the development of innovative, safe, and effective personal care formulations rooted in Ayurvedic and herbal sciences. This role combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies to deliver high-quality products that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Research & Formulation Development

- Lead the end-to-end development of new Ayurvedic, herbal, and natural personal care products (e.g., skincare, haircare, hygiene, body care, etc.).

- Conceptualize and formulate new products based on market trends, consumer needs, and Ayurvedic principles.

- Develop prototype formulations and oversee lab-scale, pilot, and production-scale trials.

- Ensure product efficacy, stability, and sensory performance through testing and validation.

- Include advanced ingredient innovation through phytochemical process enhancement to improve bioavailability, stability, and efficacy of herbal actives.

2. Innovation & Product Pipeline

- Build and manage a robust innovation pipeline aligned with company strategy.

- Explore emerging natural ingredients, botanical extracts, and traditional Ayurvedic actives for future product development.

- Collaborate with marketing and consumer insights teams to identify new opportunities.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

- Ensure all formulations comply with AYUSH, BIS, and relevant cosmetic/drug regulations.

- Maintain documentation as per GMP, ISO, and other quality standards.

- Prepare dossiers and technical documents for regulatory submissions.

4. Team Leadership & Management

- Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D team of formulation scientists, chemists, and technical experts.

- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor within the team.

- Coordinate with cross-functional teams - production, quality, procurement, and marketing - to ensure smooth product rollouts.

5. Vendor & Ingredient Management

- Identify and evaluate new raw materials, herbal extracts, and natural actives.

- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure ingredient quality and consistency.

- Manage cost optimization without compromising on product quality or efficacy.

6. Quality, Safety & Efficacy

- Oversee analytical, microbiological, and clinical evaluations of new formulations.

- Ensure adherence to safety and stability testing protocols.

- Implement continuous improvement programs for existing products.

- Coordinate and oversee clinical trials to validate safety, performance, and consumer acceptability of new and reformulated products.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

- Master's or Ph.D. in Cosmetic Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or Ayurveda (BAMS/MD Ayurveda with R&D experience).

Experience:

- Minimum 15-25 years of experience in formulation development for herbal, Ayurvedic, or natural personal care/cosmetic products.

- Proven record of launching successful products in skincare, haircare, or body care.

- Deep understanding of Ayurvedic pharmacology, herbal ingredients, and their modern applications.

- Familiarity with GMP, AYUSH, BIS, and international cosmetic regulatory standards.