Vice President, R&D and Formulation

About Capsum

Capsum Capsum is a global leader in precision manufacturing, combining advanced engineering with breakthrough cosmetic innovation. The integration of KKT Innovation Labs has established Austin as Capsum’s North American center for innovation, where science, creativity, and manufacturing excellence come together to develop category-defining products for leading beauty brands around the world. Our reputation has been built on rigorous scientific thinking, exceptional formulation expertise, precision execution, and an entrepreneurial mindset that continuously challenges conventional product development.

The Vice President of R&D & Formulation provides executive leadership for research, formulation development, and scientific innovation across the Austin Innovation Center. This leader is responsible for defining the organization’s innovation strategy, developing high-performing technical teams, strengthening customer partnerships, and ensuring the successful commercialization of innovative cosmetic products. The VP serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, working closely with Manufacturing, Commercial, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, and global Capsum leadership to align innovation initiatives with business objectives.

• Define the long-term R&D and innovation strategy
• Build and lead a world-class formulation organization
• Oversee all formulation programs from concept through commercialization
• Drive scientific innovation and technology scouting
• Establish strategic ingredient supplier partnerships
• Lead executive-level client relationships and technical presentations
• Collaborate with global Capsum R&D teams to share best practices and leverage innovation across regions
• Develop departmental budgets, resource planning, and organizational structure
• Champion intellectual property generation and differentiated technologies
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and technical integration initiatives
• Ensure successful technology transfer into manufacturing while maintaining formulation integrity
• Foster a culture of scientific curiosity, accountability, and operational excellence
• Recruit, mentor, and develop future technical leaders

• Ph.D., Master’s, or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• 15+ years of progressive experience in cosmetic formulation and product development
• Significant experience leading multidisciplinary R&D organizations
• Demonstrated success bringing innovative cosmetic products to market
• Strong understanding of formulation science, scale‑up, manufacturing, and commercialization
• Proven ability to build and mentor high-performing technical teams
• Excellent executive communication and strategic planning skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across global organizations
• US citizens only