Dir - Product Development IT Cosmetics

General Information:

Job Title:  Director – Product Development, Make-up Category

Function:  DMI Marketing

Division:  It Cosmetics DMI

Supervisor Title: VP, DMI Product Development (Make-up & Skincare)

Location:  Jersey City, NJ

Job Summary:

The Director of Product Development will partner with the VP, Product Development to manage the product development and innovation for the It Cosmetics Make-up category, from concept to first delivery of production, while also leading specific projects. In partnership with their team, they will:

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:

- Build and propose brand innovation strategy, preparing new product concepts, and brainstorming technology and ingredient stories

- Develop new products – positioning, concepts and claims, evaluate, test internally and select prototypes.   

- Partner with legal team, claims and regulatory to make sure all facets of launches are on time and in live with PD view of product – negotiate claims when needed.

- Monitor, track and evaluate new products and reformulations’ lab samples.

- Assist in the development of product packaging, copy and launch materials, collaborating with Creative, Marketing, Development and PR. Brief Education Team on new products.

- Prepare formula information for marketing books for each new launch to be distributed internally and globally.

- Develop collaborative relationships with outside vendors to bring products to shelf.

- Conduct a performance of gap analysis in order to establish product differentiation that will lead to the product's ultimate success

- Collaborate with cross functional teams to meet all project timeline milestones – formula evaluation/approval, shade evaluation/ approval (travel on-site as needed), Marketing Book, AW release, and claims testing

- Work in partnership with R&D, Safety, Regulatory, Legal and Manufacturing partners

- Communicate with vendors on product briefs, shade direction, and assortments

- Must have strong understanding of chemistry, formulation, and ingredients. Able to Provide detailed written and verbal directions to chemist on texture, color and performance. 

- Create global shade ranges that meet all local trend needs

CONSUMER TESTING:

- Ensure all consumer research objectives are clearly stated and met. Work with marketing & lab partners in the development of the questionnaire and sub sequent review / analysis of the data.

- Coordinate in-house product evaluation studies.

COMPETITIVE:

- Keep abreast of new/upcoming launches and their strategic importance to the market place worldwide

- Maintain relevant information of new competitive entries, ingredients and associated claims’ benefits – as well as new industrial/technical processing capabilities.

- Monitor and track new product trends and technology.

LEADERSHIP:

- Lead with empathy

- Inspire, coach and develop immediate team of two

- Build strong cross functional partnerships

- Strong skills in resolving daily internal and external problems and challenges in Product Development that affect a product's financial and market success

Job Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree

- 7+ years relevant experience in the Makeup industry, specifically in international markets

- Strong understanding of key beauty markets (US, EU, Asia), key competitors and key beauty categories a plus

- Knowledge of beauty trends

- Strong People Leadership Skills

- Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

- Strong analytical skills

- Strong organizational and follow-up skills

- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure and meet fluctuating deadlines

- Action Oriented: Proactive and resourceful – extremely agile and ability to seamlessly pivot directions based on business needs

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office

- Strong presentation skills

- Ability to Travel to our Labs in Clark, NJ

Judgment and Decision Making:

Impactful force in creative vision of the brand.  Intermittent supervision of decisions and judgments by VP, DMI Product Development.