Cosmetic Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At rhode, we are focused on creating intentional products with exceptional standards for quality, performance, and aesthetic execution. We are seeking a highly detail-oriented Product Development Color Production Manager to support all color cosmetic production across complexion, lip, cheek, and eye categories.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Product Development (Color), this role will serve as a key technical partner throughout commercialization and production, ensuring products consistently meet approved color, texture, performance, and aesthetic standards. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in color cosmetics, color formulation and shading, batch evaluation, and manufacturing oversight, with a strong understanding of both Product Development and Quality processes.

• Review production batches and commercial bulk against approved standards to assess shade accuracy, texture, appearance, odor, and overall product quality.
• Partner closely with Product Development teams to support shade development, shade matching, and color standard management across multiple product categories.
• Evaluate manufacturing submissions and provide timely approvals, feedback, and corrective actions to contract manufacturers.
• Support day‑to‑day production oversight, including batch reviews, reorder approvals, and expedited manufacturing decisions.
• Travel onsite to manufacturing facilities as needed to review production batches, support line trials, troubleshoot issues, and ensure alignment to approved standards.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Regulatory, and external manufacturing partners to investigate and resolve color, aesthetic, and production‑related issues.
• Establish, maintain, and periodically refresh approved production standards and retains to ensure consistency throughout a product’s lifecycle.
• Maintain organized archives of standards, retains, production references, and batch history documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to color consistency, manufacturing robustness, and batch approval processes.
• Provide technical expertise on color cosmetic formulation, pigment behavior, shade development, and manufacturing variability.
• Balance multiple project reviews, production timelines, and manufacturing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

• Bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Product Development, QA or related field preferred.
• 5-7+ years of experience in Color Cosmetics Product Development / QA, Color Formulation, Shading, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Manufacturing Support.
• Strong understanding of color cosmetic formulation, pigment technology, shade matching, and production processes.
• Familiarity with cosmetic commercialization, scale‑up, and production troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing pilot, line trial, bulk, and production batches.
• Exceptional visual color assessment skills and ability to identify subtle shade, texture, and aesthetic variations.
• Knowledge of cosmetic quality systems, manufacturing controls, and batch approval procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally to manufacturing partners as required.

• Location of Position: Los Angeles, California
• Must be a commutable distance to office in Los Angeles
• Hybrid Model Expectation: Must be able to work 3+ days a week in the office
• Budgeted Hourly Rate: $90-$110K

$90,000 - $110,000 a year

The base salary range for this roleislisted above.

Total compensation includes base salary, annual company‑based performance bonus, and equity. Under e.l.f.’s annual bonus program, employees are eligible to earn up to 200% of their target bonus when company performance exceeds defined goals. In addition, e.l.f. provides a variety of other benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, gender neutral parental leave, and unlimited paid time off. The amount of total compensation (including base salary) offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including geographic location, experience, specific skills, and qualifications.

Compensation components are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. It also reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered, as detailed description of all the work required inherent in the job. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and it is subject to changes and exceptions at the supervisors’ discretion.