Junior Chemist | Bentley

Life at THG Beauty 

We know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our portfolio of leading retailers and iconic beauty brands caters to everyone, everywhere, empowering customers all over the world to look and feel fantastic.

By combining our portfolio of owned brands with a marketplace for over 1,300 third-party beauty brands through online retail sites LOOKFANTASTIC, Cult Beauty, and Dermstore, THG Beauty's ambition is to be the global digital partner of choice across the beauty industry, supporting the channel shift to online.

THG Beauty’s breadth of relationships is unique to the beauty market; it engages with brands as a retailer, a brand owner, and a product developer and manufacturer, making it the industry’s digital strategic leader. 

About Bentley Labs

Bentley Laboratories is a premier beauty contract manufacturer based in Edison, NJ. For over twenty years, Bentley has been a trusted supplier for the world’s top global beauty brands, creating and producing award-winning innovations across the skincare, bodycare, haircare, hygiene and color cosmetics  categories. Bentley’s core manufacturing capabilities include OTC’S; skincare emulsions; surfactant systems for haircare, bath & body products; hot fill processing for solid stick deodorants, lip balms, and other wax systems; and powders for dry shampoos and loose powder face applications. Known for its innovation capabilities, quality, and manufacturing excellence, Bentley maintains the highest standards in GMP compliance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Why be a Junior Chemist at Bentley Labs? 

The Junior Chemist will be qualified to degree level or equivalent and have at least 1-2 year of experience within cosmetic development. They will be responsible for making lab batches, performing stability and taking product briefs from concept through to completion under guidance of R&D manager. Junior chemist report to the Senior R&D Manager.

As Junior Chemist, you’ll: 

• Review new Product development requests (PDR’s) and collaborates with respective Sales
• Executives for further clarification if required and ensure successful completion of the project.
• Formulate OTC and non- OTC personal care, skin care, hair care and sun care products leveraging in-depth knowledge of chemical Ingredients and processes that meet the desired technical and aesthetic attributes outlined by customers on PDR
• Effectively manages multiple projects within established timelines, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely delivery and optimal outcomes.
• Prepare lab batches of formulas needed for submitting samples for customer analysis within lab schedule, and reformulate/resubmit them based on customer’s feedback
• Stay current with emerging ingredients and technologies in the cosmetic industry, incorporating innovative solutions into new products.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all R&D activities in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
• Develop detailed lab scale process for success including order of addition, critical raw materials and processing parameters, bench standard and benchmark, and lab scale preliminary specification and test results
• Collaborate with Regulatory team to meet all compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the development of internal knowledge databases, SOPs, and training materials for the R&D team.
• Take reasonable care of the health and safety for yourself and other people who may be affected by your work.
• Adhere to a cGMP environment, document and follow lab procedures with attention to detail.
• Help create a positive work culture, by continually coaching a safe working environment.

What skills and experience do I need for this role?

• 1+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation development and R&D
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Knowledge of basic regulatory requirements (FDA, CTFA and PCPC) for formulation.
• Knowledge of current good manufacturing practices(cGMP)
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills. Displays a sense of urgency and initiative with creativity and flexibility.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be a team player.

What’s in it for me? 

Career Development 

• Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team. 

• Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry-leading training provider. 

Enhanced Leave 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. 

• Don’t want to work on your birthday? We don’t either! Enjoy your day off on us! 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.  

• Up to 10 days compassionate leave. 

• Buy back up to 3 days each year. 

• Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12-months. 

Wellbeing Support 

• Access face-to-face and virtual appointments with our in-house GP. 

• Access our in-house CBT therapist. 

• Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.  

• State-of-the-art on-site gym. 

• Access to our on-site physio. 

Other Perks 

• Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme. 

• Subsidised bus pass from Manchester City Centre to our ICON office.  

• Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands. 

• On-site staff shop. 

• Access to on-site barber. 

• Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to £1000 when they pass their probation. 

• Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.