Formulation Developer - System Professional and Nioxin
Function: R & D Location:
Darmstadt, HE, DE
Work Arrangement: On-site
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
1. Design and execution of care & styling formulation experiments including development of learning plans to validate formulation pathways.
2. Support of IMP initiative formulation work, with a focus on System Professional and Nioxin expansion, and use digital tools to support formulation decisions.
3. Initiates product tests in global test salons and external cosmetic studies to qualify new products.
4. Co-develops technical success criteria for formulation tasks based on design brief and product insights.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. A diverse and dynamic team; passionate about Care and Styling
9. Attractive salary package with a wide range of benefits
10. Free company parking as well as central location and good public transport connections
11. Promotion of personal potential and individual career paths
12. Support during the induction period and the opportunity to take on responsibility at an early stage
13. A collegial working atmosphere at an employer with an appreciative corporate culture
14. Open communication and an international as well as diverse environment in which the "WE" is in the foreground!
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