Manager, Product Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee ongoing formula development and innovation of new products within the haircare sector.

• Establish and nurture strong relationships with contract manufacturers and third-party suppliers.

• Collaborate with Product Marketing and Brand Marketing teams to create a 2-year innovation roadmap and strategize on positioning, including ingredients, technologies, and claims.

• Facilitate internal communication with cross-functional teams regarding product briefs, formula assessments, shade selections, copy and claims, artwork, and regulatory requirements.

• Initiate and coordinate cross-functional LBP briefing processes involving Supply Chain, Packaging, Project Management, Regulatory, and Brand Marketing to ensure that cost, timing, vendor, and packaging objectives are met.

• Track and ensure timely delivery of critical project milestones; update and manage Product Development schedules.

• Engage in daily communication with external partners to oversee development and testing, including on-site approvals.

• Assess formula submissions alongside the brand founder, marketing team, and selected panel artists.

• Create detailed lab briefs and guarantee effective communication with laboratories and chemists.

• Lead collaborative efforts and presentations for new innovations and concepts during quarterly brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams.

• Investigate new ingredients, textures, products, packaging, and emerging technologies to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

• Organize and facilitate innovation meetings with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and clinical testing partners to aid Product Development brainstorming and pipeline initiatives.

• Collaborate effectively with Compliance and Regulatory teams on testing protocols and product approvals, including: coordinating all testing protocols with vendors, managing usage instructions, questionnaires, and study parameters; overseeing bulk and sample submissions for all testing, including consumer use studies, claims substantiation, safety/RIPT, water activity, stability, and compatibility testing; working with Regulatory, Brand Management, and Copy teams to finalize product claims and supporting documentation.

• Strategize and collaborate with Brand Management on internal product testing and feedback; assist with shade matching and formula development.

• Coordinate with QA/QC on the distribution of shade and formula standards, range boards, and production reference materials.

• Monitor the competitive landscape by analyzing industry trends, reviewing social media feedback, evaluating competitive products, and coordinating with Brand Management on sales analysis by category and new product development opportunities.

• Collaborate with Packaging Development counterparts to support component development, testing, and user feedback analysis; research the marketplace to identify competitive packaging and consumer insights.

• Maintain records of all lab submissions, batch submissions, reformulations, and samples sent to founders, salons, and external partners, ensuring that information is well-organized, accessible, and easy to navigate.

• Ensure timely delivery of market samples, retailer presentations, and competitive comparison samples for retail partners.

• Organize in-office product testing by establishing focus groups, creating questionnaires, and selecting testers from a variety of hair types, textures, and concerns to develop and maintain a consumer testing database.

• Manage and oversee all Product Development samples, including inventory, organization, storage, shipment, and tracking processes.

• Utilize practical hairstyling and hair coloring expertise to assess product performance, application techniques, color outcomes, and consumer usability throughout the development process.

• Act as a subject matter expert on hair types, textures, color services, styling techniques, and emerging salon trends to assist innovation, testing, and product positioning.

• Actively pursue opportunities to enhance technical knowledge of haircare ingredients, formulation technologies, manufacturing processes, and consumer preferences.

• Exhibit agility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple projects, competing priorities, and evolving business needs.

• Maintain exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and project management capabilities while supervising timelines, documentation, testing, and sample management.

• Cultivate positive, collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, vendors, and key stakeholders to ensure successful product launches.

• Execute additional duties and special projects as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• 3 - 5+ years of experience in prestige haircare product development, including formulation development, testing, commercialization, and product launch execution.

• Strong grasp of haircare formulations, ingredient technologies, testing methodologies, manufacturing processes, and salon practices.

• Experience with Sephora and/or Ulta is required.

• Hands-on hairstyling and hair coloring experience is highly preferred.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously through effective prioritization, planning, and execution in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated history of taking ownership, driving results, and successfully launching innovative products.

• Strategic thinker capable of balancing broad objectives with tactical execution while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

• Highly organized, adaptable, and eager to learn, with the ability to excel in a dynamic and evolving business environment.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Positive, solutions-oriented attitude with the ability to foster strong relationships across internal teams and external partners.

• Passion for the beauty industry, haircare innovation, fashion, and emerging consumer trends.

• Willingness and capability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance along with additional ancillary benefits.

• Flexible spending and health savings accounts (FSA/HSA).

• Employer-paid life insurance coverage with optional supplemental life insurance available.

• Employer-paid long-term and short-term disability.

• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Starting with 10 vacation days, 4 fixed personal days, and 5 sick days (unless state law necessitates otherwise, in which case we will comply with state law).

• Twelve paid holidays.

• Paid parental leave.

• Summer Fridays between Memorial Day & Labor Day.

• Compensation commensurate with industry standards and your qualifications.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Monthly technology allowance.

• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus.

• Quarterly sample boxes featuring our brand's products.

• Employee referral program with rewards.