Associate Director in Development Management

The Associate Director – Formulation Development will lead end-to-end formulation innovation and execution for Purplle's private labels and exclusive brands.

This role is responsible not only for product formulation delivery, but also for development of new molecules, actives, and proprietary technology platforms that create sustainable differentiation for Purplle brands. The role demands a strong blend of deep technical expertise, commercial judgment, and execution speed.

Product & Formula Development (Core Ownership)

• Own end-to-end formulation development across skincare, haircare, personal care, and colour cosmetics:
• Benchmarking (India & global),Lab-scale formulation & Optimization for performance, cost, and scale

Translate brand briefs into high-performing, scalable, and consumer-relevant formulas.

Indian consumer needs, Clean / conscious beauty trends, Derma-led & performance-driven positioning

• New Molecules, Actives & Technology Development
• Lead development of new molecules, active systems, and delivery technologies, including Novel active blends, Encapsulation & delivery systems, Texture & sensorial platforms, Preservation and stability innovations
• Lead development of new molecules, active systems, and delivery technologies, including Novel active blends, Encapsulation & delivery systems, Texture & sensorial platforms, Preservation and stability innovations
• Evaluate and translate emerging cosmetic technologies into commercially viable products.
• Build proprietary or semi-exclusive technology platforms that can be leveraged across multiple SKUs and brands.
• Support IP generation, documentation, and claim substantiation for new technologies.
• Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers - Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches
• Lead formula scale-up with contract manufacturers - Pilot batches, Trial runs, First commercial batches
• Regulatory, Safety & Compliance
• Indian Cosmetics Rules (CDSCO)

~ Work closely with regulatory teams on:

Claim substantiation support

• Anticipate regulatory risks early to avoid launch delays.
• Costing, Margin & Commercial Viability
• Drive cost optimization while maintaining product performance.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building
• Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain
• Work closely with Brand & Marketing (claims, sensorials, storytelling), Packaging (compatibility, dispensing, sustainability), Quality, Regulatory & Supply Chain
• Qualifications & Experience
• Tech / PhD in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Chemical Engineering
• 10+ years of formulation development experience
• Proven experience in Skincare & haircare (mandatory), Actives & technology-led product development
• Proven experience in Skincare & haircare (mandatory), Actives & technology-led product development
• Hands-on experience working with Indian & global contract manufacturers and Raw material innovators
• Prior experience managing formulation teams

Commercial acumen and execution mindset

Strong stakeholder management skills

Founded in 2011, Purplle has emerged as one of India's premier omnichannel beauty destinations, redefining the way millions shop for beauty. With 1,000+ brands, 60,000+ products, and over 7 million monthly active users, Purplle has built a powerhouse platform that seamlessly blends online and offline experiences.

Expanding its footprint in 2022, Purplle introduced 6,000+ offline touchpoints and launched 100+ stores, strengthening its presence beyond digital. Beyond hosting third-party brands, Purplle has successfully scaled its own D2C powerhouses—FACES CANADA, Good Vibes, Carmesi, Purplle, and NY Bae—offering trend-driven, high-quality beauty essentials.

What sets Purplle apart is its technology driven hyper-personalized shopping experience. By curating detailed user personas, enabling virtual makeup trials, and delivering tailored product recommendations based on personality, search intent, and purchase behavior, Purplle ensures a unique, customer-first approach.

With a 3,000+ strong team and an unstoppable vision, Purplle is set to lead the charge in India's booming beauty landscape, revolutionizing the way the nation experiences beauty.