R&D Executive (NPD & Formulation)

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Job Title: R&D Executive (NPD & Formulation)
Department: Marketing
Direct Reports: Senior Brand Manager
II. FBO
The R&D Executive drives new product development (NPD) while contributing to formulation development and technical validation, ensuring products meet performance, safety, and commercial targets.
a. Key Responsibilities:
What are the 5 - 7 Responsibilities for this position?
- What are the most frequent and most important essential work activities, teams, and outcomes they are responsible for?
1. Product Development (NPD) / Phát triển sản phẩm (NPD) (40%)
- Collaborate with the Creative Director to translate product concepts into actionable development plans aligned with brand strategy and target cost.
- Conduct market, trend, and competitor research with focus on formulation innovation, K-beauty technologies, and consumer insights.
- Prepare detailed R&D briefs including product concept, texture, shade, fragrance, claims, and target pricing.
- Evaluate lab samples from both consumer and technical perspectives (texture, payoff, wearability, stability).
2. Formulation & Technical Development / Phát triển công thức & kỹ thuật (30%)
- Contribute to formulation development by working closely with Korean labs to co-develop and refine product formulas.
- Analyze and evaluate raw materials, active ingredients, and formulation structures (INCI) for efficacy, safety, and compatibility.
- Troubleshoot formulation issues such as instability, separation, color inconsistency, or performance gaps.
- Propose improvements on texture, pigment dispersion, skin feel, and product performance.
- Participate in lab testing and provide technical feedback to optimize formula quality and efficiency.
3. Coordination with Manufacturers / Làm việc với nhà máy (20%)
- Act as the key liaison between M.O.I and Korean labs/factories, ensuring clear technical and commercial alignment.
- Discuss feasibility, MOQ, cost structure, and development timelines with manufacturers.
- Challenge and validate factory proposals from both technical and business perspectives.
- Track and follow up on sample development, testing progress, and production readiness.
4. Project Coordination & Management / Điều phối & quản lý dự án (10%)
- Build and manage project timelines from concept to launch, ensuring speed-to-market.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Packaging, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth execution.
- Monitor development costs, sample budgets, and ensure alignment with target margins.
5. Testing & Compliance / Kiểm định & tuân thủ (10%)
- Coordinate and support product testing (stability, compatibility, safety) with accredited laboratories.
- Review and validate technical documentation: COA, MSDS, INCI, test reports, PIF.
- Ensure full compliance with Vietnam cosmetic regulations (MoH - Circular 06) and internal quality standards
a. KPIs:
What are the 3 5 Key Performance Indicators will this position be measured against?
- ≥ 90% projects delivered on time
- ≥ 80% formulas pass target performance from first lab round
- ≤ 3 formulation revisions per product
- ≥ 95% stability & compatibility pass rate
- ≥ 90% products meet target cost
- 100% compliance & full technical documentation (COA, MSDS, INCI, PIF)
b. Interdepartmental communication
What are the primary people contacts in this job? With whom? What purpose?
How Often?
- Supply Chain Manager: Report daily/weekly/month
- COO/CEO: follow job requirements as needed
- MKT, Finance: Cooperate with planning or buildup events, training, solving guest issue