Job description
POSITION SUMMARYAs a key leader on the product development team, the Director of Product Development is responsible for overseeing the product pipeline for one of the top beauty brands, sold globally. This requires both creative and analytical thinking: ability to identify and drive innovation, a keen sense of future trends, understanding and identifying consumer insights, understanding of the overall beauty business, exceptional communication and prioritization skills, and team management and mentorship. Additionally, the role requires operational, quality and execution excellence. Cross functional collaboration and partnerships are essential to achieve common goals for the department and company. Must be a team leader with proven ability to inspire and grow the next generation of product development leaders. Strong leadership & interpersonal skills are critical to success in this role. This role will report to the Head of Marketing and is based in New York City.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee & drive development across all categories from ideation through the life cycle of the product, including but not limited to product briefs, packaging development, safety testing, product claims, product education, etc.
- Lead, inspire & motivate the PD team. Provide coaching, development and strategic/tactical direction, serving as a mentor and role-model.
- Ideate and create ground up, first-to-market innovations and ensure on time product launches, working closely with Production & Procurement team
- Maximize relationships with global suppliers
- Oversee Regulatory team member to ensure on-time registration and product compliance globally
- Build productive relationships with key cross functional partners including Operations, Marketing, Education and Sales
- Research and share market and ingredient trends to ensure projects meet the needs of the marketplace; identify new trends in product format, ingredients, delivery systems and technology that will translate into potential new concepts
- Present new concepts and formulations to the Brand Founders to gain alignment
- Create a diverse team and cross functional culture of creativity, collaboration, calm and productivity
REQUIREMENTS
- 10+ years of product development work experience in skincare.
- Expertise needed in color and formula texture evaluation across all categories.
- Extensive experience and existing strong relationships with global contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers
- 5+ years managerial experience leading, developing and motivating teams
- Experience working with founder led organizations a plus
- Demonstrates ability to manage multiple projects through strong prioritization and planning skills
- Proven track record of taking ownership and driving business results, while pushing the boundaries of creative product development and taking risks.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, often-changing collaborative environment
- Is a self-starter, able to work independently and take initiative
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Is a team player, flexible and able to adapt to changes. Agility is key
- Ability to think both strategically and tactically with exceptional attention to detail
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ability to deliver strong, polished, effective presentations
- 10% travel is required, international and domestic
