Formulation Technician

Location: King’s Lynn, Norfolk

Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 (depending on experience)

Contract: Full-time - 40 hours per week - 8am to 4pm

Location: Office based in South Kings Lynn

Benefits:

• 21 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Pension Scheme
• Discount Scheme

Formulation Technician

This is a newly created role at an exciting stage of our growth a real opportunity to shape something from the ground up and make a visible impact.

As the Formulation Technician you will work with the Creative Director and Product Manager to develop new natural products from concept to production. Set the mixing and manufacturing methods for each product. Protect the quality of our existing range through routine quality control (QC), stability work and reformulation where needed.

What you'll be doing

New product development

• Work with the Creative Director to turn concept ideas into new products
• Develop new formulations (lotions, creams, balms, massage and aromatherapy oils etc) from brief to approved final formula
• Choose natural raw materials and essential oils, balancing performance, cost, supply and safe use levels – collaborating with internal partners
• Make and evaluate samples, and refine texture, fragrance, skin feel and performance
• Ensure safe development, hygiene and contamination-control practices; and maintaining accurate, traceable batch, sample and laboratory records.

Mixing methods and scale-up

• Write clear manufacturing methods covering order of addition, temperatures, mixing speed and time, and or cooling
• Scale formulas up from sample batch to production batch, and solve problems that appear at scale
• Write and maintain batch manufacturing records and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Train production team on new methods and support them on the floor during first batches

Reformulation and continuous improvement

• Reformulate products when ingredients are discontinued, regulations change, costs rise or quality issues appear
• Qualify alternative suppliers and raw materials
• Improve processes to reduce waste, batch failures and production time

Quality control of existing products

• Carry out routine QC on raw materials, bulk and finished products: appearance, odour, pH, viscosity, specific gravity etc
• Release or hold batches, and keep accurate QC records and retained samples
• Arrange and track testing
• Identify production risks, set control points and monitor

Regulatory

• Working with Product Development Associate you will supply formula and test data for the external safety assessor for each Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
• Supply product information for notification on the government's Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications (SCPN) service
• Check INCI ingredient lists, allergen declarations, GB CLP hazard labelling for essential oils, and product claims
• Support management of suitable COSHH risk assessments

What we're looking for
You will have experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical or life sciences environment, we are looking for an individual with a relevant degree or HNC in chemistry, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, or a related field.

You will have a strong willingness to transfer core formulation, or quality control skills from related industries and quickly adapt those technical competencies to natural cosmetics, aromatherapy, and natural product standards.

The ideal candidate will be capable of working independently on sample batches and routine quality control, with practical technical skills in making emulsions, anhydrous products, and oil-based blends. They should also be proficient in operating standard laboratory equipment, maintaining accurate records, and working in accordance with good manufacturing practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree (or HND with relevant experience) in chemistry, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, food science, chemical engineering or a related subject.
• Cosmetic science qualification, e.g. Society of Cosmetic Scientists diploma; ISO 22716 or HACCP training would be desirable but not essential.
• Experience in working with natural or organic products; essential oils and aromatherapy; or experience working in comparable field such as R&D / Lab Technician or Pharmaceutical formulation scientist.
• Proven technical experience in making emulsions, anhydrous products and oil-based blends accurately to an agreed method; weighing and measuring raw materials; using and checking laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, thermometers and viscosity-testing equipment;
• Experience in carrying out routine QC checks against defined specifications; interpreting results and identifying out-of-specification findings;
• Understanding of working to good manufacturing practices and documented procedures - UK cosmetics regulations (PIF, CPSR, SCPN); INCI labelling; IFRA standards; GB CLP labelling is desirable

We Lead with Passion - Inspire with Purpose - Elevate Everyday Rituals.

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person