R&D Formulation Scientist

We are PZ Cussons. Our purpose is For everyone, for life, for good.

Sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere are at the heart of everything that we do.

Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

Job title: Formulation Scientist

Location: Agecroft Factory, Salford

Contract type: Permanent

WHO ARE WE

PZ Cussons is an international consumer goods business, headquartered in Manchester, UK. We employ just under 2500 people across our operations in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

Sustainability and the wellbeing of our employees and communities everywhere are at the heart of our business model and strategy and captured by our purpose: For Everyone, For Life, For Good.

If you want to join a business in transformation with exciting growth plans and the opportunity to work flexibly and finish at 1pm every Friday, apply to work for us today.

The role:

We are looking for a Formulation Scientist to join our amazing team over at our Factory, Agecroft located in Salford. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn and development their skill set and the opportunity to work with a fantastic team!

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Product Development:

• Support the development and optimisation of formulations for hygiene, skincare, haircare, and body care products under supervision
• Carry out bench work, prototype preparation, stability testing, and basic performance evaluations
• Assist on new product development and renovation projects, balancing speed, cost, and quality
• Support the translation of consumer and shopper insights into formulation solutions and product claims
• Accurately record and report formulation work, test results, and observations

Project Support:

• Lead delivery of low complexity projects, managing assigned tasks and timelines . Support delivery of high complexity projects.
• Work with Marketing and Insights teams to understand briefs and consumer needs
• Support Packaging Engineering with basic formula–pack compatibility testing

Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration

• Leads raw material screening and trials in partnership with suppliers
• Leading role in technology transfer activities to pilot plant or manufacturing sites
• Help investigate formulation or process issues during scale‑up or early production

Testing, Compliance & Documentation

• Support coordination of stability, compatibility, microbiology, and claims testing
• Ensure formulations follow internal quality, safety, and regulatory guidelines with guidance
• Maintain accurate technical documentation (formula records, test reports, specifications, PIFs, INCI compilation, CPSR preparation)
• Support fragrance briefs and help track project timelines
• Prepares technical data to support production (e.g. BOMs, batch cards, inspection plans)

Lab Management

• Responsible for  the day‑to‑day operation of the laboratory, ensuring a safe, organised, and compliant working environment.
• Ensures laboratory safety, risk assessments, COSHH compliance, and audit readiness
• Manage laboratory equipment, calibration, and capability upgrades ensuring lab is future ready and in line with brand plans
• Supports scale-up across all brands and develops best practices across the team
• Builds strong relationships with Technical Services team to ensure smooth handover to production

Criteria

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of formulation chemistry and raw materials
• Practical lab skills with the ability to follow experimental plans and test methods
• Awareness of regulatory requirements (EU/UK) and product safety principles
• Familiarity with stability testing and basic manufacturing concepts

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Good organisational and time‑management skills
• Clear and confident communicator within teams
• Curious mindset with interest in new ingredients, technologies, and trends
• Consumer‑focused approach to product development

Desired

• Exposure to personal wash, hair care, or skincare formulations
• Understanding of manufacturing or scale‑up principles
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment

Equal Opportunities: 

At PZ Cussons, we value diversity and make sure everyone feels included. We want our team to reflect society and our global customers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and your unique perspective helps us develop brands and create new products for our consumers. 

Please note that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship or assist with relocation support for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the country where this role is located before applying.

If you need extra support during this process, please inform us so that we can accommodate your needs appropriately. It is important to us that all candidates feel recognised and have a good experience with PZ Cussons as part of our commitment to inclusivity. 

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PZ Cussons is big enough to make your mark, small enough to make it yours. Apply to join us!