Senior Formulator, Liquids Technologies
Job Description
Join our Beauty Innovation team at Helen of Troy and make an immediate impact on our trusted brands: Drybar and Curlsmith. Together, we build innovative and useful products that elevate people's lives everywhere every day.
Look around your home, and you'll find us everywhere, in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. We are already making your everyday lives better. We are powered by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking people committed to developing a culture of inclusion. Whether you are just starting your career or in need of a challenge, we recognize, develop, and empower talent!
Position: Sr. Formulator, Liquid Technologies
Department: Beauty (Drybar & Curlsmith)
Work Location: Marlborough, MA (hybrid)
Hybrid Schedule: At Helen of Troy, we embrace a flexible hybrid work model designed to support collaboration and productivity. For roles eligible for hybrid work, our standard schedule includes in-office collaboration from Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Any updates to this model will be communicated in advance. Please note that hybrid eligibility and schedules may vary based on business needs and manager expectations.
What you will be doing:
The Senior Formulator is a technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and commercialization of innovative hair care products and other liquid technologies. This role drives formulation strategy from concept through production, ensuring products meet performance, safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
Working cross-functionally with Product Development, Regulatory, and external contract manufacturers, the Senior Formulation Chemist translates consumer insights and emerging technologies into high-performing, differentiated products. This individual serves as a subject matter expert internally and externally, guiding formulation design, technical decision-making, and supplier partnerships
Formulation Development & Innovation
Work closely with Product Development to translate consumer insights, market trends, and new technologies into innovative product concepts and formulations.
Evaluate and select raw materials to deliver targeted performance, aesthetics, and claims.
Independently design, develop, and optimize formulations from concept through commercialization, including new product development and reformulations.
Identify opportunities to enhance product performance, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, and ingredient innovations.
Contribute to long-term innovation strategies and pipeline
Testing, Validation & Scale-Up
Design and oversee stability, compatibility, safety and efficacy testing with external partners.
Analyze and interpret data to ensure formulas meet desired specifications and performance claims.
Partner with contract manufacturers and third-party labs as needed to execute development
Oversee scale-up activities, including pilot and manufacturing trials, to ensure successful commercialization.
Troubleshoot formulation or process issues during development and commercialization phases.
Evaluate vendor capabilities and support technical audits when needed.
Regulatory, Quality & Documentation
Collaborate with Regulatory team to ensure all formulations comply with global cosmetic and OTC regulatory requirements as appropriate.
Support Regulatory in gathering appropriate raw material documentation and safety data.
Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation, including formulations, specifications, and development reports.
Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), safety protocols, and quality standards.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration
Serve as a technical expert for internal teams, contract manufacturers, suppliers, and external laboratories.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior chemists and laboratory staff.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, and Packaging to ensure alignment and execution.
Support claims substantiation and technical accuracy in product communication and marketing assets.
Skills needed to be successful in this role:
Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must.
Excellent project management skills
Excellent teamwork skills
Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage a large volume of diverse projects.
Possess a creative mindset.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent.
7+ years’ experience in personal care formulation. Hair care experience preferred.
Working knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and related functions.
Broad development skills and understanding of stability testing, claims substantiation, and process development/scale-up.
Experience working with external contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers.
Knowledge of cosmetic regulations (non-OTC/OTC).
Proficiency in Microsoft office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Ability to be flexible with work schedules to meet deadlines onsite as needed.
Ability to work in a lab environment and office (50-50%).
Ability to attend early/evening calls for international calls as needed.
Ability to travel domestically (up to 25%).
Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
In Massachusetts, the standard base pay range for this role is $95,000.00 -$120,000.00 annually. This base pay range is specific to Massachusetts and may not be applicable to other locations. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to location, experience, skill level, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.
Benefits: Salary + Bonus, Healthcare, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, 401(k) with company match, Basic Life Insurance, Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Charitable (volunteer) Leave, and Educational Assistance.
Wondering if you should apply? Helen of Troy welcomes people as diverse as our brands! Have the confidence to come as who you are because your point of view, skills, and experience will make us stronger. If you're eager to share new ideas and try new things, we want to hear from you.
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For more information about Helen of Troy, visit www.helenoftroy.com. You can also find us on LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
Helen of Troy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and cultivating an inclusive environment. We value diversity and believe that we are strengthened by the differences in our experiences, thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
We will provide individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (915) 225-8000.
Founded in 1968, Helen of Troy is a prominent player in the global consumer products industry, offering diverse career opportunities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. We boast a collection of renowned brands such as OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June – many of which rank #1, #2, or #3 in their respective categories, making the Helen of Troy name synonymous with excellence and ingenuity.
At Helen of Troy, our strategy involves acquiring brands that we can integrate and enhance, amplifying their unique attributes to drive growth and profitability. Embracing a culture of collaboration internally and externally, we are committed to providing innovative solutions tailored to consumers, operational excellence, global scalability, and exceptional shared services to support our brand portfolio. This dedication to fostering development and success sets Helen of Troy apart as a pioneer in the industry, propelling our brands to unparalleled heights of success and recognition worldwide.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties of the position at any time.