Product Development Specialist

We are looking for an R&D Product Development Specialist to join our Research and Development team within the Beauty Care Business Unit, based in our HQ in Milan.

How you make the difference

Innovation is at the heart of Bolton. In this role, you will be a key driver of product innovation, transforming ideas into successful launches and strengthening our competitive edge in the beauty market.

How your agenda looks like:

• Lead end-to-end product development and renovation projects in your category, working hand-in-hand with trusted external suppliers.

• Deliver projects on time, on budget, and fully aligned with brand standards – ensuring top-notch product performance, safety, and quality.

• Build strong supplier relationships through regular visits and continuous collaboration.

• Translate marketing briefs into concrete, actionable, and effective development strategies.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Sustainability) to guarantee flawless execution.

• Explore new ingredients, technologies, and trends to fuel a consumer-driven innovation pipeline.

Your team:

You will join the R&D Beauty Care team as part of the formulation area, reporting directly to the R&D Manager and working in close partnership with the packaging division. You will also be supported by our dedicated Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Sustainability teams, so you can focus on what you do best: driving innovation and shaping future product strategies.

What makes you a great fit:

• Education: Master’s degree or PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.

• Experience: 2/3 years in R&D within the beauty or personal care industry (makeup experience is a plus).

• Expertise: proven track record in managing product development with third-party suppliers or contract manufacturers.

• Technical skills: solid knowledge of cosmetic formulation principles and product lifecycle management.

• Regulatory know-how: good understanding of global frameworks (EU, US, Asia) and claim substantiation methodologies.

• Testing skills: familiarity with clinical testing and efficacy evaluation protocols.

• Flexibility: openness to regular travel to suppliers.

• Passion: a genuine love for cosmetics makes all the difference.

• Soft skills: consumer-centric mindset, curiosity, initiative, problem-solving, proactivity, and a drive for innovation.

• Languages: proficient in Italian and fluent in English.

• If you combine scientific expertise with creativity and a passion for beauty, this is the place where your talent can truly shine.

What’s in for you:

• Starting salary: from 40.000 euro (based on experience and skills)

• Variable compensation: Yes, PPO

• Work location: Milano, Italy

• Contract type: Temporary contract (Maternity cover)

• Working hours: Full time

• Smart working: Yes, with a flexible smart working

• Benefit: Meal vouchers worth 12€ per day; Health insurance (Faschim + supplementary coverage); Corporate welfare plan;

• Collective Agreement: CCNL Chimico

Curious About Us? Dive In:

About Bolton

Bolton is an Italian family-owned fast-moving consumer goods company with 10.500 people located across 60 offices, 17 production facilities, 10 R&D laboratories, and 14 fishing vessels worldwide. With a diverse portfolio of over 60 quality brands, Bolton has been enriching the lives of millions of people every day for more than 75 years, making their everyday more delicious, more enjoyable, useful, and beautiful.

About Beauty

Bolton Beauty is a Business Unit of Bolton that enhances the beauty of millions of people through much-loved brands such as Collistar and Somatoline. We are committed to creating simple yet powerful cosmetic solutions, in Italy and beyond, that make everyday life more glamorous, confident, and beautiful.

Grow Your Future with Us, Apply now!