Estée Lauder Companies VRO Engineer

About Estée Lauder Companies

The Estée Lauder Companies is a global leader in prestige beauty, founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder and built on an enduring belief in creativity, high-touch service, and entrepreneurial spirit. As an employer, the Group offers talent the scale of an international house with the energy of distinctive brands across skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care. Its culture values innovation, inclusion, learning, and responsible growth, inviting professionals to shape consumer experiences from laboratory to counter, digital platform to boardroom. Employees join a purpose-led organization where heritage, artistry, and scientific excellence meet to define the future of luxury beauty.

Role & Responsibilities

• Execute VRO activities and projects involving the transfer and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical expertise across assigned projects, anticipate potential issues, and develop appropriate plans and solutions.
• Lead technical investigations into manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop sustainable corrective and preventive actions to minimise recurrence.
• Analyse batch records and provide on-floor manufacturing support to investigate batch failures and validate technical interventions.
• Support the transfer of commercialised processes into the manufacturing facility and the transfer of existing processes between kettle types and sizes.
• Provide technical expertise and on-site support for implementing and validating reformulations, new production versions, and process changes, ensuring manufacturing requirements and process performance are assessed.
• Identify process-improvement opportunities using manufacturing performance data, technical observations, recurring issues, and KPI trends.
• Review manufacturing procedures and recommend improvements to process robustness, operational efficiency, and standardisation.
• Translate technical learning and successful improvements into standardised working practices, procedures, and knowledge-sharing to support sustained manufacturing performance.
• Participate in project meetings and collaborate with project managers and wider project teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and within scope.
• Build effective working relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D, Quality Assurance, Technical Services, and Manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience gained through at least 5 years working in a compounding or mass-manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of process development, ideally in cosmetic formulation or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of raw materials is advantageous.
• Experience investigating technical or manufacturing issues and applying root-cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing and batch information and translate findings into practical, sustainable improvements.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate potential technical challenges.
• Ability to quickly learn and develop knowledge in new technical fields, processes, and technologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
• Proactive, positive, and adaptable approach, including the ability to respond effectively to urgent priorities.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple activities and contribute to projects within agreed timelines.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years in a compounding or mass-manufacturing environment, as an alternative to a relevant degree.

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience gained through at least 5 years working in a compounding or mass-manufacturing environment.

Culture

The Estée Lauder Companies fosters a collaborative, inclusive workplace where creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and a passion for prestige beauty are deeply valued. As a global house of distinctive brands, it offers employees an environment that encourages innovation, professional growth, and a shared commitment to excellence and consumer inspiration.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.