Job description
General Summary:
We are looking for a highly experienced and goal-oriented VP, Product Development who thrives in a fast-paced environment to lead the R&D/PD team and overseeing a portfolio of brands in multiple beauty categories (Skincare, Color Cosmetics, Haircare). They will be responsible for the entire product development process from ideation to implementation, whilst liaising with both internal multi-functional teams and external labs and contract manufacturers to commercialize and elevate our brands. Our ideal candidate will be an innovative leader responsible for leading the organization in research that will help in evaluating the potential and practicality of products in development as well as executing the R&D Innovation Strategy to ensure a strong pipeline of new products, relying on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish company goals.
Responsibilities:
Practical knowledge and experience in product development (Skincare, Color Cosmetics, Haircare), both consumer and product as well as working knowledge of formulation chemistry and ingredient functionality for Skincare (cosmetic and OTC), Color Cosmetics and Haircare products.
As most senior representative of R&D, act as liaison with internal and external parties on matters relating to both the custom formula development and procurement of new product formulations (including international requirements and regulatory changes).
Collaborate with cross functional teams (Package Development, Supply Chain, Brand Management, Regulatory, Purchasing and Quality Assurance) to ensure comprehensive formula management.
Initiate the development of technology and ingredient formation.
Screen outside opportunities leveraging vendors and manufacturers R&D process capabilities to recommend new product innovations.
Co-develop (with the Brand Management and Acquisition departments) and maintain a 3-year revolving Product Launch Calendar.
Assist in the generation of Product Development Profiles for all new products and line extensions as assigned.
Work with third party formulators and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMO) in optimizing formula portfolio depending on program needs.
Plan and formulate aspects of research and development proposals such as objective or purpose of project, applications that can be utilized from findings, costs/cost constraints of project that may impact ability to deliver desired products, i.e. identifying alternate ingredients or suppliers to plan and accomplish goals.
Implement project tech transfer on existing R&D formulations (in collaboration with Global Supply Chain and Quality teams.
Negotiate contracts with third party development labs to perform research, custom formulations or other applicable needed studies.
Manage overall annual budget to ensure cost-effective and efficient best practices for company.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Meet regularly with suppliers to review new technologies and stay abreast of new research and formulation techniques, market trends, raw materials, etc.
Implement /oversee clinical efficacy trials (i.e., in-vitro, ex-vivo testing) together with testing team.
Initiate pre-pilot R&D bulk stability testing and work with regulatory on all formula safety related testing linked to key developmental milestones.
Oversee library of all formula assets and reformulation projects when requested by regulatory or brand.
Keep a close finger on the pulse of the industry regarding evolving trends and the competitive environment with a focus on “Clean” beauty.
Adhere to company’s regulatory and legal requirements on all products.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree 8+ year’s industry experience in Product Development and Management Strong knowledge of formula sustainability, claims substantiation (OTC and Cosmetic) and trends in the beauty industry along with technical expertise and aesthetic sense for all Skincare, Color Cosmetics and Haircare products.
Broad knowledge of cosmetic manufacturing with all related expertise (i.e.) prerequisites to approve contract vendor use, cost of goods development, filling lines, packaging, MRP systems, inventory control, FDA Certification requirements, and worldwide regulations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, detail-oriented with excellent follow-through abilities, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and efficiently work with vendors and internal departments while prioritizing workload.
Travel - Domestic and International travel
Environmental, Psychological and Physiological Requirements:
The work will be performed inside a multi-story office building with elevators and stairs.
The person must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to 50% of the time.
Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery and conference rooms.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a copy machine, printer and calculator
Frequently communicates with employees who have inquiries.
Ability to learn technical material and apply the knowledge to their work.
