Key Skills

Job Description

IF YOU ARE AN EXPERT IN HAIR COLOR INNOVATION, WITH AT LEAST 7 YEARS’ R&D EXPERIENCE IN HAIR DYES, BLEACHES, AND HAIR COLOR, AND YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A NEW PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE, THIS JOB, BASED IN THE AMSTERDAM AREA, IS FOR YOU! Keune HairCosmetics, a leader in the professional hairdressing sector, is seeking to strengthen its innovation team with an experienced R&D professional with extensive knowledge and experience in the formulation of its professional hair color products. This role requires leading projects, driving innovation, mentoring team members, and collaborating across functions to deliver exceptional products. ABOUT KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS Founded in 1922 in Amsterdam, Keune HairCosmetics is a proudly family-owned Dutch company dedicated to the art and science of professional haircare. Over more than a century, Keune has grown from a small apothecary into one of the world’s most respected haircare brands, distributed in over 90 countries. Keune HairCosmetics is both a brand, Keune, dedicated to the professional salon sector with direct-to-salon and distributor markets, and a contract manufacturer. Every Keune product is conceived, developed and produced at the company’s headquarters in Soest, the Netherlands, ensuring consistent quality and innovation rooted in in-house expertise. Science and creativity are at the heart of everything Keune does. Its portfolio spans colour, care, and styling, with each formula designed to combine exceptional performance with gentle, sustainable ingredients. As a certified B Corporation, Keune upholds the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility — from cruelty-free testing to responsible sourcing and packaging. Guided by their new CEO, Philip Berlijn, Keune continues to expand internationally while remaining true to its founding values: craftsmanship, integrity, and care. The company fosters a warm, collaborative culture that feels like family, empowering stylists worldwide to express creativity and confidence. Today, Keune stands for much more than great hair — it represents a commitment to beauty that is ethical, enduring, family-focused and unmistakably Dutch. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and optimize formulations for hair dyes, bleaches, and professional hair color products, ensuring high performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Lead color development projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring product quality and performance. Research and identify new ingredients, technologies, and trends in hair color science to drive innovation. Conduct patent searches and assess freedom to operate to support innovation and product development. Apply instrumental and analytical techniques to characterize and validate product performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align development activities with business objectives. Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior and mid-level team members. Proactively contribute to departmental success by identifying opportunities for innovation, process improvements, and sustainability initiatives. CANDIDATE PROFILE Professional Experience Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. Minimum 7 years of experience in the formulation and development of hair dyes; experience with bleaches and other technical products is a strong advantage. Proven track record of successfully bringing cosmetic products to market. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strategic mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. Personality & Culture Fit Collaborative and relationship-driven. Naturally curious and continuously seeking improvement opportunities. Resilient and calm under pressure. Comfortable making decisions in a dynamic and fast-changing environment. Values quality, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Thrives in a family-owned business culture that combines entrepreneurial spirit with long-term thinking. Enjoys building structure, creating clarity, and driving business performance through planning excellence Fluent in (professional) English. SALARY & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Highly competitive fixed and performance-based variable salary Travel allowance 27 vacation days per year (based on full-time employment) Extremely advantageous pension plan For non-Dutch-based candidates: Relocation support (1 month’s salary) Eligibility for “The 30% Tax Ruling” (https://www.government.nl/themes/taxes-benefits-and-allowances/income-tax/shortening-30-percent-ruling)

Core Responsibilities

Develop and optimize professional hair color, dye, and bleach formulations, leading projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Research ingredients and technologies, assess patents and product performance, collaborate across functions, mentor colleagues, and identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and sustainability.

Requirements

A master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field and at least seven years of experience formulating and developing hair dyes are required; experience with bleaches and other technical products is an advantage. Candidates should have a record of bringing cosmetic products to market, strong leadership and project management abilities, clear communication skills, an innovative and collaborative mindset, and professional fluency in English.

Benefits

• Travel Allowance
• 27 Vacation Days
• Pension Plan
• Relocation Support
• Eligibility for the 30% Tax Ruling