Manager, Product Development

R+Co

Product Development Manager developing quality haircare products for IGK brand with cross-functional collaboration. Managing formula development and market samples for successful product launches.

Posted 6/4/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $90,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage on-going formula development, and new product innovations in the haircare category
Build and maintain effective and strong relationships with contract manufacturers and 3rd party vendors
Partner with Product Marketing / Brand Marketing counterparts to build a 2-year innovation pipeline and strategize on positioning, including ingredients, technologies, and claims
Lead internal communication with cross-functional partners as it relates to product briefs, formula evaluation, shade selections, copy and claims, artwork, and regulatory deliverables
Initiate and organize cross-functional LBP briefing processes with Supply Chain, Packaging, Project Management, Regulatory, and Brand Marketing to ensure cost, timing, vendor, and packaging targets are accurate and achievable
Monitor and maintain on-time delivery of critical project milestones; update and track Product Development timelines
Daily communication with external partners to manage development and testing, including on-site approvals
Evaluate formula submissions with brand founder, marketing team, and selected panel artists
Responsible for creating comprehensive lab briefs and ensuring effective communication with labs and chemists
Lead collaboration and presentations for new innovations and concepts during quarterly brainstorming meetings with cross-functional teams
Research new ingredients, textures, products, packaging, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and maintain a competitive advantage
Organize and coordinate innovation meetings with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, and clinical testing partners to support Product Development brainstorming and pipeline initiatives
Successfully partner with Compliance and Regulatory teams on testing protocols and product approvals, including: Coordinating all testing protocols with vendors, including usage instructions, questionnaires, and study parameters Coordinating bulk and sample submissions for all testing, including consumer use studies, claims substantiation, Safety/RIPT, water activity, stability, and compatibility testing Collaborating with Regulatory, Brand Management, and Copy teams to finalize product claims and support documentation
Strategize and partner with Brand Management on internal product testing and feedback; provide support on shade matching and formula development
Liaise with QA/QC on the distribution of shade and formula standards, range boards, and production reference materials
Understand the competitive landscape by monitoring industry trends, reviewing social media commentary, evaluating competitive products, and coordinating with Brand Management on sales analysis by category and new product development opportunities
Partner with Packaging Development counterparts to support component development, testing, and user feedback analysis; research the marketplace to identify competitive packaging and consumer insights
Track all lab submissions, batch submissions, reformulations, and samples sent to founders, salons, and external partners, ensuring information is organized, accessible, and easy to navigate
Drive on-time delivery of market samples, retailer presentations, and competitive comparison samples for retail partners
Organize in-office product testing, including building focus groups, developing questionnaires, and identifying testers across a range of hair types, textures, and concerns to create and maintain a consumer testing database
Own and manage all Product Development samples, inventory, organization, storage, shipment, and tracking processes
Leverage hands-on hairstyling and hair coloring expertise to evaluate product performance, application techniques, color results, and consumer usability throughout the development process
Serve as a subject matter expert on hair types, textures, color services, styling techniques, and emerging salon trends to support innovation, testing, and product positioning
Continuously seek opportunities to expand technical knowledge of haircare ingredients, formulation technologies, manufacturing processes, and consumer preferences
Demonstrate agility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple projects, competing priorities, and changing business needs
Maintain exceptional attention to detail, organization, and project management skills while overseeing timelines, documentation, testing, and sample management
Foster positive, collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, vendors, and key stakeholders to drive successful product launches
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

3 - 5+ years of prestige haircare product development experience, including formulation development, testing, commercialization, and product launch execution
Strong understanding of haircare formulations, ingredient technologies, testing methodologies, manufacturing processes, and salon practices
Sephora and/or Ulta experience required
Hands-on behind-the-chair hairstyling and hair coloring experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously through effective prioritization, planning, and execution in a fast-paced environment
Proven track record of taking ownership, driving results, and successfully bringing innovative products to market
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance big-picture objectives and tactical execution while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
Highly organized, adaptable, and eager to learn, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving business environment
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Positive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and external partners
Passion for the beauty industry, haircare innovation, fashion, and emerging consumer trends
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

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 requires 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 brands products
Employee referral program with rewards

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

formulation developmenttesting methodologiesproduct launch executioningredient technologiesmanufacturing processeshaircare formulationsproduct testingproject managementconsumer testinghair coloring expertise

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillspresentation skillscross-functional collaborationorganizational skillsadaptabilityattention to detailstrategic thinkingproject prioritizationsolutions-oriented mindset