Assistant Manager - Deodorants R&D

About the Role

We are seeking an Assistant Manager for the Deodorants R&D team based in Mumbai. The role focuses on accelerating innovation and growth for deodorant brands like Dove, Rexona, and Axe in India—a significant and expanding market. This position will lead the technical development of deodorants and antiperspirants, spanning formulation, process, fragrance, and claim substantiation. A strong understanding of deodorant and personal care ingredients, various product formats including aerosols, creams, and lotions, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical workstreams for new product development and renovation projects within deodorants across diverse formats such as aerosols, sticks, creams, and lotions.
• Collaborate with the Global Design Centre to adapt and deploy global technologies and formulations suitable for the Indian market.
• Oversee lab batch production, process scale-up, and coordinate with plant teams to ensure smooth manufacturing transitions.
• Engage with brand, supply chain, planning, finance, procurement, and technical teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and in full.
• Conduct product and technical risk assessments and establish mitigation strategies.
• Manage relationships and networks within R&D and resolve technical issues promptly.
• Drive initiatives aimed at cost savings and value creation for the deodorants category.
• Coordinate factory trials and liaise with testing, manufacturing, and third-party agencies.
• Work closely with fragrance houses for innovation and renovation related projects.
• Create technical documentation and support claim substantiation to back innovation projects.
• Leverage digital and project management tools to facilitate data management and accelerate project execution.
• Administer material and product specifications, recipes, and bills of materials.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, regulatory standards, and company procedures related to formulation development and manufacturing.

Candidate Profile

• Proactive, self-motivated, well-organized and able to think strategically with great communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to dive deeply into challenges and deliver effective solutions.
• Passion for consumer-centric quality improvements across product portfolios.
• Focused on delivering results, quick learner, and effective team collaborator.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in science, engineering, or related disciplines.
• Robust knowledge of formulation, ingredient chemistry, process technology, fragrance development, and claim support.
• 8 to 10 years of R&D experience in FMCG, ideally with a focus on deodorants, personal care, or skin care categories.
• Hands-on experience with deodorant formats is highly desirable.