Director/Senior Director, R&D

Who We Are

Dermalogica is the global leader in the professional skincare industry driven by innovation, education, and a passion for results. With distribution in over 90 countries and the backing of Unilever, we combine an entrepreneurial spirit with cutting-edge resources to bring exceptional skincare products and services to professionals and consumers alike. Bolstered by our International Dermal Institute – the apex of post-graduate skin and body therapy training – Dermalogica is on an exhilarating journey of expansion. If you thrive in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment committed to excellence and creativity, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

What You Will Do

Dermalogica is seeking an innovative and strategic Director/Senior Director of R&D to lead our highly skilled research and development team. This senior leadership role involves overseeing formula development, stability, technology transfer, and managing lab facilities to support the creation of advanced skincare products. The ideal candidate will partner across departments—regulatory, operations, marketing, and corporate R&D—to drive product pipeline innovation while fostering a creative and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of 12 professionals in formula development, stability testing, and technology transfer.
• Oversee and maintain laboratory facilities in compliance with GLP (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Manage raw material and finished good specifications to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate closely with Regulatory Affairs to ensure regulatory requirements are met during product development.
• Partner with Operations to facilitate efficient production and scale-up processes.
• Work alongside Corporate R&D to develop and implement innovation strategies aligned with company goals.
• Interface regularly with marketing teams to translate consumer insights into new product concepts and prototypes.
• Maintain strong relationships with raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure supply chain robustness.
• Drive a culture of creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the R&D environment.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for R&D projects.

What You Bring

Ideal Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree in Physical Sciences (Ph.D. or MS), with a proven track record in skincare or related industries.
• Minimum 10 years (with a Ph.D./MS) or 20 years (Bachelor’s degree) of product development experience, including leadership roles.
• Extensive experience in formulation science, stability testing, and technology transfer.
• Well-versed in GLP practices and laboratory management.
• Strong understanding of raw material and finished product specifications.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster a collaborative, innovative working environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and internal teams.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for skincare innovation and product excellence.

Preferred Attributes:

• Creative mindset with an ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Deep understanding of regulatory considerations in skincare development.

The position is based at the corporate headquarters in Carson, CA, with full on-site work guidelines. The expected annual base salary range for this position is $170,000-$190,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, and budget. This role is eligible for participation in our company bonus plan, rewarding personal performance and company results.

Why Join Us?

• A Legacy of Success: Dermalogica is the preferred choice of Skin Therapists worldwide, renowned for our exceptional skincare line and industry-leading postgraduate education. We have a record of achievement and are committed to building upon our brand's legacy.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation: At Dermalogica, we foster an entrepreneurial spirit and encourage our employees to bring their best ideas to the table. You will have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to our success by implementing innovative solutions that reach skincare professionals and consumers.
• Backed by Unilever: In 2015, Dermalogica became part of the Unilever family, one of the world's largest and most successful consumer goods companies. While operating as an independent business, we now have access to groundbreaking capabilities and resources, empowering us to win in our markets.

If you are ready to realize your potential and contribute to Dermalogica's mission, we would love to hear from you! To be considered for this role, please complete your online application. A member of the Human Resources team will contact you if your experience and skills are a match for the position.

Dermalogica is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Salary : $170,000 - $190,000