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Creative Nail Design 2007 – 2009

Vista, California

Research and Development Skin Care Chemist

Worked closely with nail professionals and marketing to improve existing products; developed new niche lines targeted to the nail industry; wrote formulas, operating procedures and specifications for manufacturing; and supervised pilots to production scale-up.

Formulated two manicure product lines for our marketing rebrand strategy: each containing a hand soak, sugar/salt scrub, moisturizing mask, massage lotion, and hand cream.

Improved the stability and manufacturing process using available legacy equipment for existing and new formulas. Helped implement cost reduction strategies through vendor and purchasing communications, raw material consolidation, and formulation.

Responsible for reviewing raw material name assignments and breakdowns, product ingredient decks, and safety warnings as a member of the Regulatory and Safety Committee.

SHWOOMP! 2005 – 2007

San Diego, California

Research and Development Manager

Designed new body care lines for a small retail company by working closely with the owners to help turn their vision into a reality. Established new procedures for formula development and maintenance using Excel for cost analysis. Engineered a small scale Quality Control program for releasing batches, including a microbiology protocol and batch coding system.

With limited capital and resources, planned a production strategy. Established contacts with vendors for fragrances, raw materials and packaging, ordered and procured raw materials, set up purchasing accounts, trained new technicians, determined appropriate batch sizes, and created compounding procedures to maximize quality and minimize cost.

Thibiant International 1996 – 2005

Chatsworth, California

Research and Development Manager 2002 – 2005

Under the supervision of the director, managed a team of 10 chemists, three lab technicians, and three project assistants by assigning work, establishing objectives and goals, reviewing project status, and interfacing with other departments.

• Wrote Standard Operating Procedures for research and development.
• Managed and dealt with the expectations of demanding customers.
• Learned how to listen, empathize with, and motivate an eclectic team from different backgrounds and beliefs.

Research and Development Supervisor 2000 – 2002

Reviewed lab work order submissions of our team of chemists for completion before submitting to marketing or sending to the customer.

• Helped Quality Control in adjusting production batches.
• Assisted fellow chemists with their lab assignments while completing my own.
• Arranged meetings with vendors to keep our lab up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

Senior Chemist 1998 – 2000

Formulated new products based on lab work orders from marketing for our potential and current customer base.

• Created new formulas and reworks with direction from marketing.
• Supervised pilot and production batches.
• Using a colorimeter and a Pantone guide, color matched various cosmetic bases.