Director, IT Cosmetics Product Development, Make-up Category

L'Oréal is a global leader in beauty and cosmetics, and they are seeking a Director of Product Development for their IT Cosmetics Make-up category. This role involves managing product development and innovation from concept to production, collaborating with various internal and external teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of new products.

Responsibilities:

• Build and propose category innovation strategy, preparing new product concepts, and brainstorming technology and ingredient stories
• Identify white spaces in the market that address the needs of our consumer
• Build product ideas from scratch informed by the needs of the business/consumer insights and trend, working with our internals labs and key suppliers to execute
• Scout formulas and pack solutions from trade shows, supplier meetings, internal showcases, etc, that can be leveraged as strategic adds to the launch plan
• Propose strategic shade selections that align with product concept, brand equity, and global needs while ensuring inclusivity and relevance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external suppliers and industry partners, sharing needs of the business and developing strategic ways of working
• Foster strong relationships and maintain excellent communication with key internal stakeholders including R&I, development, sourcing, marketing, packaging, GBD, and more
• Strategize on positioning, concepts and claims in partnership with marketing for all launches, bringing the POV of a formula expert and ensuring that all communication aligns to the true performance and benefits of the products
• Own the briefing process to suppliers and internal labs for all new launches, ensuring alignment on the goals of the project and key success criteria
• Evaluate, test, and clearly communicate feedback on all formulas submitted for new launches and reformulations
• Continually assess key decisions needed and key information sharing and propose topics for weekly TBs with upper management
• Assist in the development of product packaging, copy and launch materials, collaborating with Creative, Marketing, and Development
• Collaborate with education and US team on go to market communications, tips and tricks, backstories on products, etc
• Prepare formula information for marketing books for each new launch to be distributed internally and globally
• Present innovations to management, retailers, etc
• Monitor all key deadlines for new launches and reformulations, elevate risks to timing, quality, claims, etc
• Maintain an organized library of all formula and pack samples, approved standards, color/texture benchmarks, etc
• Stay up to date on latest launches, maintain a pulse on the evolving needs of the consumer
• Work with R&I, claims, and valorization teams to plan all testing needs including consumer perception tests, concept/product validation tests, clinical tests, etc
• Monitor ratings and reviews of new and core launches to propose optimizations as needed
• Maintain relevant information of new competitive entries, ingredients and associated claims’ benefits – as well as new industrial/technical processing capabilities

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 6+ years relevant experience in cosmetic product development
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative energy, willing to think outside the box and propose improvements to projects, ways of working, etc
• Strong understanding of key beauty markets (US, EU, Asia)
• Strong understanding of skincare ingredients and the skin concerns of the 40+ consumer
• Strong understanding of beauty trends
• Strong cross functional skills
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Leading with creativity and passion for the consumer while also possessing strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, meet fluctuating deadlines, and remain flexible to project scope changes
• Action oriented: Proactive, resourceful, and agile. Excellent creative problem solver
• Must have strong understanding of cosmetic industry, formulation, and ingredients. Able to provide detailed written and verbal directions to chemist on texture, color and performance
• Business mined- conscience of cost constraints and market/retailer needs while remaining vigilant about protecting product quality and brand values
• Strong PowerPoint/AI image creation skills
• Exceptional presentation skills, ability to deliver a clear and concise message
• Ability to travel domestic and international for projects, meetings, and trade shows