Formulation Scientist (Hair Category) - 2193
| Posting date: | 21 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,665 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 September 2025 |
| Location: | Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 4UY |
| Company: | Manpower UK Limited |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | BBBH421125_1755790479 |
Summary
We are currently seeking an interim Formulation Scientist (Hair Category), to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced Scientific FMCG environment.
The position is based at our client's scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run for 12 months (Maternity cover), requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £37,665 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.
The specific tasks associated with the role are summarised below:
- Lead the technical elements of Hair Category Innovation Projects, specifically in the development and formulation of new products and in the re-development of existing products to meet regulatory requirements or for 5S cost savings initiatives.
- Coordinate 5S work plans for the EU with R&D brand custodians, Factories & Procurement.
- Design, plan and execute own work plans, including necessary lab work, ensuring compliance with COSHH, GLP and SOP requirements.
- Prepare and characterise products, including measuring rheological properties, physical/sensory evaluations and storage stability tests etc.
- Data analysis & communication: statistical analysis of data and clear communication of results and recommendations, via presentations and formal written reports.
- Formulation data entry on SAP PLM for formulations, INCI lists and other technical information.
- Use of digital IT systems to enable local R&D, regulatory and safety teams to process formulations.
- Delivery of technical aspects of innovation projects on time, in full. Accelerating projects where business requires with smart risk taking
- Ensuring specifications and technical action standards / product performance standards are delivered
- Project and technical risk management.
- Effective collaboration within cross-functional teams. Including Brand teams & Procurement (5S projects).
- Develop technical mastery of hair care formulations; technologies, hair science and measurement understanding.
- Establish networks with relevant external collaborators, e.g. suppliers, industry associations or equivalent, to understand information on product/consumer trend.
- Use understanding of formulation technologies to contribute ideas for new product activations with marketing and trade.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of a degree (or equivalent) in a Science or Engineering discipline
- Experience working in a laboratory
- Previous experience in R&D preferably with project management experience and/or product development experience.
- Great people skills; building and maintaining relationships. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a wider cross-functional team.
- Proactive problem solver with analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to interpret data
- Good knowledge of data management and analysis tools
- Good communication skills and ability to influence
- Passionate about brands and their consumers & a creative thinker
Port Sunlight working environment:
- Free onsite parking
- Staff shop discounted products
- Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
- Free parking onsite
- 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
- 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes drive from Chester
- Disabled parking
- In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
- There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
- The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
- In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.