Formulation developer - briogeo & retail hair

Formulation Developer - Briogeo & Retail Hair

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ABOUT THE ROLE

Care and styling products have been driving the growth of Wella in the past years, and formulation plays a central role to keep the innovation pace. In this role, you will own the lab formulation work for care & styling technical and innovation initiatives x-brand for both professional and retail hair, developing holistic care & styling platform innovations and partner with the technical multifunctional teams on the respective product qualification efforts.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Design and execution of care & styling formulation experiments including development of learning plans to validate formulation pathways.
• Support of IMP initiative formulation work, with a focus on Briogeo integration and Retail Care expansion, and use digital tools to support formulation decisions.
• Initiates product tests in global test salons and external cosmetic studies to qualify new products.
• Co-develops technical success criteria for formulation tasks based on design brief and product insights.
• Partner with the various functions, especially Product Development/Technical Brand Management, Process Development and Packaging Development, to ensure smooth upscaling and commercialization of new care & styling products.
• Ensures documentation of formulation/lab work in respective IT systems and creates formula cards in SAP RD. Manages multiple priorities effectively and maintains high quality data and technical standards.
• Internally and externally focused. Seeks and integrate feedback from consumers, customers, suppliers, and external experts to enhance product and process outcomes.

WHAT WE WANT YOU TO BRING ALONG

• Several years of experience in formulation or product development within Care & Styling or comparable beauty/cosmetics categories, operating in a global R&D environment.

• Strong scientific background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field, supported by an academic degree (Bachelor or Master) or laboratory technician apprenticeship combined with multi-year hands-on laboratory experience.

• Proven technical mastery in the design, execution and documentation of formulations for shampoo, conditioner, styling or other cosmetic products.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and document technical work with rigor and discipline, ensuring high quality and reproducibility of results.

• Strong sense of ownership with the ability to independently lead technical tasks, proactively identify risks and develop effective, science-based solutions.

• Solid understanding of formulation technologies, R&D systems and end-to-end development processes, including Stage-Gate project ways of working.

• Experience working cross-functionally in a complex matrix organization, collaborating effectively with Product Development, Process Development, Packaging, TMO, Analytical and Salon teams.

• Strong problem-solving capability, applying scientific, technical and creative thinking to complex formulation challenges across multiple brands and global markets.

• Hands-on experience with MS Office as well as R&D management systems and formula repositories (e.g. SAP RD or similar).

• Practical experience using computerized laboratory equipment and measurement systems, such as rheometers or comparable analytical tools.

• Programming skills, understanding of AI principles, and practical experience using AI and digital tools to support formulation development, data analysis and workflow efficiency.

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing changing priorities with high attention to detail.

• Very good English skills, enabling confident presentation of technical work and insights to R&D leadership and active participation in cross-functional discussions.

Join us in enabling global Care & Styling growth, shaping future innovations and delivering impactful, science-driven solutions that support Wella’s ambitious portfolio and long-term business goals.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT WELLA

• A diverse and dynamic team; passionate about Care and Styling
• Attractive salary package with a wide range of benefits
• Free company parking as well as central location and good public transport connections
• Promotion of personal potential and individual career paths
• Support during the induction period and the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage
• A collegial working atmosphere at an employer with an appreciative corporate culture
• Open communication and an international as well as diverse environment in which the "WE" is in the foreground! 

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