Job Title: Scientific Valorization Specialist, Research & Innovation

Department: Research & Innovation

Location: Woodmead, Johannesburg

Role Overview:

The Scientific Valorization Specialist, Research & Innovation, will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific advancements and compelling product claims, ultimately driving innovative solutions for the dynamic SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa) market. This exciting position demands a robust scientific foundation, a genuine passion for the beauty and cosmetics industry, and exceptional communication and collaborative abilities. The ideal candidate will possess a keen awareness of evolving consumer trends and leverage social media proficiency to effectively articulate complex scientific benefits in an accessible and engaging manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Claim Development & Substantiation: Proactively develop and rigorously substantiate innovative product claims that resonate with consumer needs and align with prevailing market trends.
• Scientific Dossier Creation: Prepare comprehensive scientific dossiers for both local and international product launches, ensuring strict adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Scientific Communication Strategy: Design and execute effective scientific communication strategies, capitalizing on social media expertise to maximize reach and impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster close collaboration with diverse cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&I, and Regulatory Affairs, to guarantee scientific accuracy and market relevance across all initiatives.
• Market Intelligence: Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic product development decisions.
• Expertise Development & Sharing: Continuously cultivate and share expertise in cosmetic science and formulation, proactively staying at the forefront of industry advancements and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, or a closely related scientific field is required.
  • A strong understanding of cosmetic formulation is essential.
  • A degree in Marketing or Communication is a significant advantage.
• Experience & Expertise:
  • Project Management: Proven experience in project management, coupled with familiarity in strategic project management tools and techniques.
  • R&D Expertise: Demonstrable understanding of scientific research and development processes, with a proven ability to translate intricate scientific knowledge into tangible and innovative solutions. A proactive approach to continuous learning and knowledge sharing is expected.
  • Regulatory Knowledge (Plus): A background in regulatory affairs or legal compliance within scientific projects is highly desirable.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A strong capacity to generate, manage, and drive disruptive innovations, while consistently ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards.
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Consumer Focus: Demonstrated ability to meticulously develop consumer insights and seamlessly translate them into measurable product performance goals. A keen eye for the latest cosmetic trends and strong social media savvy are crucial.
  • Collaboration & Leadership: Proven ability to foster robust cross-functional collaboration and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to business and brand teams.
  • Communication & Organization: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, alongside excellent organizational abilities.
  • Market Knowledge (Plus): Knowledge of the SSA cosmetics market is a distinct advantage.

We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and to advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.

If you are a passionate science and have the desire to make a difference in a global organization driven by innovation and excellence, apply now!