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Formulation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and ... Intimate knowledge of laboratory practices, safety compliance, and management and handling ...

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and ... Intimate knowledge of laboratory practices, safety compliance, and management and handling ...

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Formulation Manager information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$41

How much do formulation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation manager in California is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Formulation Managers?

Formulation Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the development and optimization of product formulations, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemicals. They lead teams to design, test, and refine product mixtures to meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their role often involves coordinating with research, production, and quality assurance departments to ensure that product formulations are effective, stable, and cost-efficient. Formulation Managers also stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes to keep their company's products competitive. Effective communication, project management, and technical expertise are key skills for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a Formulation Manager in coordinating cross-functional teams?

Formulation Managers often work closely with R&D, quality assurance, regulatory, and production teams to bring new products from concept to launch. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment across departments, especially when dealing with tight timelines or shifting project priorities. Balancing technical requirements, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing feasibility can also be demanding. Successful Formulation Managers are proactive in problem-solving and skilled at fostering strong collaboration to keep projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Manager, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in product formulation. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation development software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills help you effectively lead teams and navigate complex product development cycles. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory adherence, and timely delivery of innovative formulations.

What is the difference between Formulation Manager vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectFormulation ManagerFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; focus on research skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in R&D or manufacturing settings, manages projects, and coordinates formulation developmentConducts laboratory research, experiments, and formulation testing
Industry UsageCommonly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and chemical industries for leadership rolesPrimarily used in research and development departments for formulation development

The Formulation Manager typically oversees formulation projects, manages teams, and ensures product development aligns with business goals. In contrast, the Formulation Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and developing formulations in the lab. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in responsibilities and scope within the formulation process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation jobs in California? The most popular types of Formulation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Manager jobs in California? For Formulation Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Formulation Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Formulation Manager job openings:

Senior Manager, Formulation Development

Beautyhealth

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us

Hydrafacial is a global category-creating company focused on bringing innovative products to market and delivering beauty health experiences by reinventing our consumer's relationship with their skin, their bodies and their self-confidence.

Every person here is a key player in our success. We are firm believers in making the little things count each day so the big things will follow. If this sounds like you, come check us out! This is the perfect opportunity to work with some of the best leaders in the industry while you gain the global and strategic experience to add to your professional toolbox.

Job Description:

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Hydrafacial booster portfolio is a defining commercial and clinical differentiator for SkinHealth Systems - and every booster formulation that reaches a provider's treatment room is the product of rigorous bench chemistry, stability validation, and regulatory compliance work. The Sr Manager, Formulation Development is the technical lead for that entire process, owning the full development lifecycle from ideation through commercial launch for aqueous serums, treatment solutions, emulsions, and specialty delivery agents designed for hydradermabrasion protocols. This role brings the scientific depth and process discipline of large-scale personal care formulation to a specialized, device-paired application - making it central to SkinHealth Systems' ability to grow its consumables portfolio, substantiate efficacy claims, and compete globally.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead end-to-end formulation development for Hydrafacial booster and treatment products - including aqueous serums, emulsions, and specialty delivery agents - from bench concept through stability validation, scale-up, and commercial launch.

  • Conduct hands-on formulation work, evaluating and qualifying novel active ingredients, functional excipients, and raw materials to support pipeline innovation and clinical efficacy claims.

  • Design formulations with a deep understanding of how delivery vehicle composition, viscosity, pH, and active concentration interact with hydradermabrasion device parameters to optimize treatment outcomes.

  • Drive regulatory compliance across formulation development, maintaining working knowledge of FDA OTC cosmetic regulations, EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009), and applicable global requirements; support regulatory submissions and dossier preparation.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Clinical Science to align formulation design with efficacy endpoints, consumer positioning, and commercial launch readiness.

  • Engage ingredient suppliers and raw material partners to evaluate emerging actives, negotiate preferred supplier relationships, and keep SkinHealth Systems ahead of formulation trends.

  • Mentor and develop junior formulation staff and R&D lab personnel, building scientific rigor and structured experimentation capability within the team.

  • Present formulation development findings, project status, and technical recommendations to senior R&D and executive leadership.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related science field.

  • 8+ years of progressive formulation development experience in the personal care, cosmetic, or beauty industry, with a clear record of launching commercially successful products at scale within a large, structured organization.

  • Proven track record of taking formulations from bench concept through stability validation, regulatory review, scale-up, and full commercial launch.

  • Deep expertise in cosmetic raw materials, emulsion chemistry, aqueous solution design, active ingredient stabilization, preservative systems, and sensory aesthetics of topical formulations.

  • Hands-on experience with stability study design and execution (real-time and accelerated), safety testing protocols, and manufacturing scale-up from bench to pilot and commercial scale.

  • Working knowledge of FDA OTC cosmetic regulations, EU Cosmetics Regulation, and global regulatory requirements for formulated products.

  • Proficiency in laboratory characterization techniques including viscosity measurement, pH analysis, particle size, HPLC, and spectroscopy.

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent development programs; proficiency with project tracking tools such as Smartsheet or equivalent.

Preferred

  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related science field.

  • Experience at a globally recognized personal care or beauty organization with direct accountability for product launches at scale.

  • Familiarity with device-paired or treatment-format formulations, including aqueous delivery vehicles designed for professional treatment systems or hydradermabrasion protocols.

  • Knowledge of clean formulation frameworks and compliance requirements, including EWG, COSMOS, and EU-restricted substance lists.

  • Exposure to ISO 10993 biocompatibility principles as they relate to topically applied, device-contacted formulations.

  • Active membership in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) or an equivalent professional organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
  • Primarily laboratory and office environment; significant hands-on bench formulation and testing work expected throughout development programs.

  • Ability to stand and work at lab benches for extended periods during formulation development, stability testing, and analytical characterization.

  • Ability to lift and handle raw materials, formulation samples, and laboratory equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.

  • Must comply with all laboratory safety, PPE, and GMP requirements applicable to the formulation development environment.

We mean it when we say you'll LOVE this role.

Base Pay: $121,000 - $145,000 + bonus

An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of HydraFacial's total rewards package for our employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, long-term incentives based on level, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.Come grow and GLOW with us!

What else can you expect with HydraFacial?
PERKS! Benefits include: Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, FSAs, HSAs, accident insurance, pet insurance, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term and short-term disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off (PTO), and paid holidays.

#LI-Onsite

Hydrafacial is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by color, federal, state or local laws. We are committed to working with and providing accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.

Hydrafacial does not accept unsolicited assistance or resumes/CVs from third party search firms. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral or CV/resume submitted by a search firm to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement. If we need additional support, we will be sure to reach out directly to one of our preferred providers.Please no phone calls or emails.