An enthusiastic and motivated Manager with specific expertise in all aspects of product development, project management and manufacture gained from working in a competitive FMCG industry. Displays initiative and a positive outlook to all challenges, an ideas generator, decisive and highly adaptable to change.

Possesses the personality and skills required to communicate effectively at all levels. A natural leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills who thrives on being involved in leading teams in an environment of creativity and constant change.

CAREER SUMMARY:

CHEMENCE LTD, Corby December 2005 - Current

Cosmetic Chemist

• Planning and setting up a Cosmetic Laboratory to budget constraints including installation of fixtures and fittings, as well as procedures, SOP's and Risk Assessments to GLP standard and in readiness for ISO9001:2000 accreditation.
• Part of the team involved in planning and setting up a Cosmetic Manufacturing area to GMP standard including installation of suitable mixing equipment and water treatment plant.
• Ensuring all current 'professional use' products meet the 7 ^th Amendment, providing legislative advice to Marketing, the Sales Team and Trainers and training the QC Manager in 7 ^th Amendment requirements.
• Developing a Sunless Tanning range for salon (professional) use, from concept to scale-up using Microsoft Project to ensure delivery within the agreed timescale.
• Co-ordinating and managing external (global) contract manufacturers to launch a range of Liquid and Powder Acrylics, UV Builder Gels and Nail Adhesives for the professional market.
• Cost saving Nail Lacquer base developments. Updating current 'core' nail treatment range.
• Organising an internal panel of volunteers to conduct User Trials to gauge product acceptability and to help validate claims.
• Attending Formulate, CTPA events and supplier presentations to ensure that I am aware of new raw material innovations and consumer trends etc… Relaying this information back to Marketing in an easy to understand informative manner.

SSL INTERNATIONAL PLC, Cambridge January 2004 - November 2005

Formulation Manager

· Working within budget constraints, starting up a lab including acquiring lab equipment, writing SOP's, Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments and protocols to bring the department in line with ISO9001:2000, ISO14001, GLP and SSL Quality Policy. Working towards ISO18001 H & S standard.

· Managing two SSO's including their initial recruitment, training, career development, appraisals & discipline.

· Co-ordinating development (NPD and 'tweaks') projects in the Personal Care (Scholl) and Medical Devices (Durex lubricants) brands in accordance with SSL Design Control procedures by interpreting the Marketing brief for aesthetics, claims and cost and ensuring the products are safe, validated and legal prior to launch.

· Managing cross-functional teams and external Contract Manufacturers to ensure that the final product is delivered on time, to the agreed quality specification and within cost constraints. Presenting project progress to team and senior managers on a monthly basis.

· Organising and implementing internal user studies and evaluation of the results.

· Proactively provide Marketing with examples of new prototypes, technologies and opportunities to ensure that SSL products remain number one in their markets.

· Defining and implementing clear plans (using Microsoft Project) and contingencies to address projects by setting goals and objectives.

· Ensuring all Personal Care products meet the new 7 ^th Amendment of the Cosmetic Directive.

· Providing technical advice to the Process Department in particularly troubleshooting and introduction of new technology/ products. Plan, organise and participate in plant/ pilot (scale-up) trials where appropriate.

· Approving pack copy artwork.

HARMER PERSONAL CARE LTD, Bradford August 2003 - December 2003

Development Manager

• Managing a multi-disciplined team of six including recruitment, training, career development and discipline.
• Ultimate responsibility for the product development process from initial brief through to production, to ensure that new formulations meet all the appropriate legal, safety and internal HPC Ltd requirements for personal care products, and meet the agreed customer performance and cost requirements. Sign off the PIP's prior to launch.
• Maintaining a quick turn around of project briefs (NPD and product matching) to concept samples to remain competitive in the contract manufacturing business.
• Controlling the Lab budget to ensure the most efficient use of finances.
• Maintaining information on new innovation regarding raw materials by regular contact with raw material suppliers and the attendance of symposia and technical events.
• Supporting Commercial and Sales staff in customer presentations when required.
• Providing technical advice to the Process Department particularly on the introduction of new or revised formulations, optimisation of existing processes and troubleshooting.
• Providing technical support to customers in the compilation and issuing of ingredient listings and recommendation of pack claims for artwork.
• Communicating to all internal departments and external bodies on issues relating to product development and launch. Reporting to the Technical Director.
• Implementation of SGS Retail Supplier Certification, to include generating procedures, product specifications, work instructions, stability reports to maintain customer confidence in the quality and reliability of the products and services provided.

ACCANTIA HEALTH & BEAUTY LTDJanuary 1994 - July 2003

(Previously Smith & Nephew Consumer Products Ltd.)

Team Leader.

• Developing new skincare products under the SIMPLE (Core, Sun, Oil Control, Skin Defence for Men, Regeneration), Cidal and Lil-lets brand names and updating/improving the existing range with regard to deadlines, efficiency and cost constraints. Ensuring all products meet the appropriate legal, marketing and safety requirements.
• Blue sky research which became a range of skincare products (for the US) under a new brand Equilibrium, using the principles of Homeopathy. This work has now been patented.
• Generating the PIP's to ensure complete traceability.
• Providing support to production/manufacturing areas, particularly on the introduction of new or revised formulations, optimisation of existing processes and trouble-shooting. Monitoring performance and recording product quality in an effort to continuously improve total quality
• Managing external Contract Manufacturers in the launch of products (either from brief stage or supply of bulk) where we do not have the facilities to manufacture or fill on site ie. wipes and sachets
• Managing and training Technical personnel in daily duties to ensure that they safely and effectively undertake all laboratory duties. Supervising projects that involve working with a network of people internally and externally. Communicating project progress to higher management
• As qualified internal auditor, involved with successful transition to ISO9001:2000.

DEWHIRST LORIEN LIMITED May 1993 - December 1993

Development Chemist

Formulating personal care products for private label customers, from development through to first production runs to include liasing with personnel, half - head tests and internal consumer trials.

JEYES GROUP PLC November 1991 - March 1993

Development Technologist

Developing household products for own brand and private label customers to include substantiation of claims, patent searching and technical research, competitor product matching and cost improvement exercises.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

2005-06 Professional Certificate in Management (currently awaiting results) - Open University

2005 IOSH Managing Safely - West Anglia Training Association

1999 Statistical Process Control - Birmingham City College In Partnership With Smith + Nephew.

1997 - 98 SCS Diploma In Cosmetic Science.

1996 Internal Quality Auditing Course (Based on BS EN ISO 9000 Series Quality Management System) - Barleythorpe Management Centre.

1994 - 95 Advanced Certificate In Marketing - Hull College Of Further Education.

1987 - 91 Bsc (Hons) Applied Chemistry - Leicester Polytechnic (DeMontfort University).

Industrial placement at Lever Brothers Limited (1989 - 90).