Category Manager - Mass/Club
accessiBe
Executive Director, Product Development
R+Co
full-time
Posted on:
Origin: • 🇺🇸 United States • California
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $180,000 - $200,000 per year
Job Level
Lead
About the role
- Innovate and develop transformative, first-to-market products across categories (complexion, color, skincare, body care, face)
- Serve as a strong thought partner to the Brand Founder and ideate on creative new innovation
- Work closely with Packaging, Marketing, Social, Operations, Finance, and cross-functional teams
- Report directly to the VP of Product Development and Packaging
- Develop 3 year innovation pipeline and strategize on positioning (ingredients, technology, claims)
- Present in weekly meetings to Founder, Brand President, VP of PD and internal teams
- Partner with Sales Team and retailers to strategize on key launch programs
- Drive brainstorming sessions, play-dates and in-the-kitchen meetings with Founder and partners
- Evaluate formula submissions and conduct formula and shade testing on internal teams and models
- Create comprehensive lab briefs and maintain daily communication with chemists
- Gather new raw material and ingredient innovation information for unique formulations and storytelling
- Lead internal communication regarding product briefs, formula evaluation, shade selections, copy and regulatory deliverables
- Create and brief marketing for packaging copy and claims; work with Legal to trademark product names
- Address social feedback regarding formula and consumer experience
- Lead presentations for new innovation and product concepts with internal and retailer teams
- Research new ingredients, textures, and products for greater innovation
- Manage ongoing formula development, shade selections, and submission tracking
- Build and maintain relationships with contract manufacturers and 3rd party vendors
- Partner with Packaging Director and Supply Chain to ensure cost targets and timing
- Establish preliminary COGs, project feasibility, and margin targets
- Create timelines with creative and execution milestones to lead product launch calendar
- Monitor and maintain on-time delivery of critical project milestones and update PD timelines
- Manage development and testing, including on-site approvals and first production/line trials
- Own PD formula and testing budget; track costs and invoices
- Organize innovation meetings with suppliers, contract manufacturers, clinical testing houses
- Work with compliance on regulatory and testing protocols and questionnaires
- Manage testing protocols, facilitate bulk and samples for testing, and coordinate final claims with Regulatory
- Strategize with internal testing committee for product testing and feedback
- Analyze competitive landscape (Sephora ratings, social commentary, sales data)
- Assist packaging counterparts with component development/testing and synthesize user feedback
- Track lab submissions, feedback, batch submissions, and distribution of samples
- Drive on-time market samples and comps for retailer partners; manage PD samples for key decision makers
- Lead weekly PD strategy meetings, quarterly dream meetings, trend forecasting, and product education sessions
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 10+ years' relevant work experience within product development
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior or directorial-level role
- Passionate about the beauty industry, skincare, fashion and related fields
- Innovation mindset; not afraid to push the boundaries
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to establish procedures, processes and policies; openness to improving processes
- Understanding of timely execution to expedited timelines
- Excellent work ethic; ability to be a self-starter and manage up
- Extremely organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and adept at prioritizing multiple projects to meet timelines
- Strong eye for color
- Strong presentation skills
- Strategic thinker and open to shared feedback
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and pivot when needed
- Leads with respect and empathy; values open communication and honesty
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Domestic & international travel required
- Understanding of Sephora / Retailer Sales environment preferred
- Makeup artist or beauty advisor experience is a plus
- Cosmetic chemist or contract manufacturer experience is a plus
- Team leadership experience (Manager of Product Development reports into this role)
- Must be able to work PST hours; West Coast candidates preferred
- Reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace free from significant distractions required
- Participation in E-Verify (employer participates)
