The Associate Director - Formulation Development will lead end-to-end formulation innovation and execution for Purplle's private labels and exclusive brands.

This role is responsible not only for product formulation delivery, but also for development of new molecules, actives, and proprietary technology platforms that create sustainable differentiation for Purplle brands. The role demands a strong blend of deep technical expertise, commercial judgment, and execution speed.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product & Formula Development (Core Ownership)

- Own end-to-end formulation development across skincare, haircare, personal care, and colour cosmetics:

- Benchmarking (India & global), Lab-scale formulation & Optimization for performance, cost, and scale

- Translate brand briefs into high-performing, scalable, and consumer-relevant formulas.

- Drive fast prototyping and rapid iteration to support aggressive launch timelines.

- Ensure formulas are aligned with: Indian consumer needs, Clean / conscious beauty trends, Derma-led & performance-driven positioning

2. New Molecules, Actives & Technology Development

- Lead development of new molecules, active systems, and delivery technologies, including Novel active blends, Encapsulation & delivery systems, Texture & sensorial platforms, Preservation and stability innovations

- Lead development of new molecules, active systems, and delivery technologies, including Novel active blends, Encapsulation & delivery systems, Texture & sensorial platforms, Preservation and stability innovations

- Partner with Raw material suppliers, Global ingredient innovators, Research labs & technology partners

- Evaluate and translate emerging cosmetic technologies into commercially viable products.

- Build proprietary or semi-exclusive technology platforms that can be leveraged across multiple SKUs and brands.

- Support IP generation, documentation, and claim substantiation for new technologies.

3. Scale-Up, Manufacturing & Tech Transfer

- Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers - Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches

- Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers - Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches

- Own tech transfer including SOPs, BMRs, Critical process parameters

- Troubleshoot scale-up challenges related to Rheology changes, Sensory drift,Yield loss and Stability failures

4. Regulatory, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all formulations comply with:

- Indian Cosmetics Rules (CDSCO)

- Global regulations (ASEAN / EU / US where applicable)

Work closely with regulatory teams on:

- Ingredient approvals

- Safety & toxicology inputs

- Claim substantiation support

- Anticipate regulatory risks early to avoid launch delays.

5. Costing, Margin & Commercial Viability

- Own formulation-level costing and BOM accuracy.

- Drive cost optimization while maintaining product performance.

- Partner with sourcing and finance teams to Optimize raw material choices and Balance innovation vs. gross margin targets

- Lead reformulation initiatives for cost-down or compliance updates.

6. Team Leadership & Capability Building

- Lead, mentor, and develop formulation teams.

- Define Formulation SOPs, documentation standards, Stability & testing protocols

- Build a strong internal knowledge base for actives, technologies, and formulations.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain

- Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain

- Act as the technical authority translating consumer insight into executable innovation.

Qualifications & Experience

- M.Sc / M.Tech / PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Chemical Engineering

- 10+ years of formulation development experience

- Proven experience in Skincare & haircare (mandatory), Actives & technology-led product development

- Hands-on experience working with Indian & global contract manufacturers and Raw material innovators

- Prior experience managing formulation teams

Skills & Competencies

- Deep expertise in Emulsions, surfactants, anhydrous systems, Actives, delivery systems, preservatives

- Strong understanding of Stability, compatibility, and scale-up science

- Commercial acumen and execution mindset

- Strong stakeholder management skills

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