Colgate Palmolive

Sr Principal / Principal Scientist Personal Care Formulation & Implementation

Colgate Palmolive$124K — $174K *
Consumer Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
  • 12+ years in Research and Development within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry
  • 2+ years in people management and team leadership
  • Experience in formulation and scale-up of personal care products

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop the R&D team to promote a culture of creativity and collaboration
  • Explore and scale new surfactant chemistry and formulation innovations
  • Manage the product design and development lifecycle using internal and external resources
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Regulatory teams for product validation
  • Oversee key technical documentation like formula databases and operating procedures

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
  • Minimum 15 vacation days and 13 paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave according to local laws
Full Job Description
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #174499 - Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

We are seeking an enthusiastic Principal Scientist to lead a segment of our dynamic Handsoap Personal Care R&D team. You will own the end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization within the personal care category for North America. Your primary mission will be exploring and integrating cutting-edge material science and formulation fundamentals to drive next-generation innovations. This is an exceptional opportunity to scale global brands, influence technical strategies, and foster a high-performance culture of creativity and collaboration.

  • Lead, motivate, and develop the R&D team to foster a high-performance culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous technical growth
  • Drive the exploration, integration, and scaling of new surfactant chemistry, rheology, and formulation innovations into body cleansing products
  • Manage the entire product design and full development lifecycle, effectively leveraging both internal and external resources to ensure flawless execution
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders-including Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Regulatory-to validate new products and support business priorities
  • Oversee critical technical documentation, including formula databases, claims support, standard operating procedures, and tech transfer checklists


Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
  • At least 12 years of Research and Development experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry
  • Minimum of 2 years of proven experience in direct people management and team leadership
  • Demonstrated technical experience in the formulation, evaluation, and scale-up of personal care or cleansing products

Preferred Requirements:
  • Masters Degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
  • Advanced technical knowledge of ingredient chemistry, surfactant interactions, emulsions, and OTC drug requirements
  • Proficiency in statistical Design of Experiments (DOE) and measurement science
  • Strong functional competencies in cross-organizational communication, with a proven ability to succinctly present complex technical details to non-technical business partners
  • Familiarity with intellectual property management and a track record of supporting manufacturing plants in solving complex technical production challenges


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $124,000.00 - $174,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

#LI-Hybrid

About Colgate Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) is a consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. It operates in two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Oral Care business products include Colgate Total, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Optic White, and Colgate Luminous White toothpastes, Colgate 360° manual toothbrushes and Colgate and Colgate Plax mouth rinses. Colgate's Oral Care business also includes dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and oral health professionals. Its Personal Care products also include Palmolive, Softsoap and Sanex brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring, and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick and Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants. It sells liquid hand soap under the Palmolive, Protex and Softsoap brands. Colgate, through its Hill's Pet Nutrition segment (Hill's), manufactures pet nutrition products for dogs and cats.

Colgate-Palmolive Careers

Join the vibrant team at Colgate-Palmolive, a global leader in oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition, where innovation, leadership, and care converge to create outstanding job opportunities. At Colgate-Palmolive, we are committed to offering more than just employment; we are dedicated to providing a platform where careers flourish and talents shine.

Work You’ll Do

At Colgate-Palmolive, every position is a chance to enhance global health and well-being. Whether you're involved in product development, marketing, finance, or technology, you'll contribute to projects that touch lives worldwide. Our team's diversity and commitment to inclusive leadership help foster an environment where new ideas and perspectives lead to dynamic solutions.

Innovate and Grow

Join a company renowned for innovation and set your career on a trajectory of growth and discovery. Colgate-Palmolive is the perfect place to challenge your skills and expand your horizons. Here, innovation isn't just another buzzword—it's a practical part of how we approach solutions and processes to improve the lives of our consumers.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our culture is all about collaboration and teamwork. At Colgate-Palmolive, you’ll work alongside professionals who are leaders in their fields, united by a common goal to make every day better for people around the globe. Our team is supported by robust diversity training programs that enhance understanding and drive innovation.

Future-Proof Your Career

With a multitude of career paths and job opportunities at all levels, Colgate-Palmolive empowers you to tailor your career journey. From internships to leadership roles, every career stage at Colgate-Palmolive is supported by extensive training and professional development opportunities, ensuring that your career aspirations have no limits.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Colgate-Palmolive offers a range of opportunities. Explore positions that match your skills and interests through our job portal. We are continuously hiring and looking for curious, creative, and driven individuals to join our team.

Networking and Professional Development

At Colgate-Palmolive, career growth is complemented by opportunities for networking and professional development. Engage with leaders and peers at all levels and take advantage of our comprehensive benefits and programs designed to enhance your life both inside and outside of work.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join us? Polish your resume, prepare for your interview, and show us why you are a perfect fit for our team. At Colgate-Palmolive, we value a straightforward and insightful interview process that seeks out individuals eager to contribute and grow.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Colgate-Palmolive: - **Career Tips**: Get insider perspectives and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Colgate-Palmolive. Join Colgate-Palmolive and be part of a company that believes in growth, innovation, and the power of a diverse team to lead the industry forward. Explore our careers page and find out how your skills and passions can make a difference at one of the most respected companies in the world.
Learn more about Colgate Palmolive
Size
33,800 employees
Market Cap
$66.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.6 billion
Founded
1806
5 Year Trend
+2.8%
Revenue
$16.4 billion
NASDAQ

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