Director of Product Development, 24 Seven Talent, US

Our client is a global multi brand beauty company that is looking for a new Director of Product Development to lead their legacy color cosmetics brand.

About the Role

The Director, Product Development, leads the Complexion, Skincare and Color Category. This role involves driving consumer-driven innovation, formula development and on-time execution strategies, incorporating strong knowledge of key category, consumer and product trends. The Director builds relationships with existing and new contract manufacturers to ensure alignment with the brand vision and business objectives. They oversee the entire product development process, from ideation to launch and post-market evaluation. They are also skilled in developing winning consumer first concepts that are new to market, while staying true to our brand and our consumers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build consumer-first innovation strategy that incorporates consumer insights, macrotrends and product trends. Move with speed, agility and excellence in partnership with contract manufacturers.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Contract Manufacturers and external partners to ensure quality, compliance, and innovation. Build brand playbook to inspire and build brand strategy and consumer understanding.

• Lead the development of formula lab-brief kick-offs to inspire and provide actionable direction to key partners while building off of brand and portfolio strategy.

• Build differentiated and impactful concept briefs with strong concept/product fit.

• Manage and mentor the Product Development team, providing guidance and expertise.

• Oversee the New Launch Tracker for competitive products, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to internal stakeholders.

• Lead adherence to development processes and track milestones against NPD timelines, proactively addressing risks or delays.

• Maintain oversight of submission tracking for all vendors during formula development, ensuring consistency and quality. Ensure timely communication of submission feedback to vendors.

• Direct internal submission testing, analyzing feedback on performance and aesthetic, and guiding product decisions.

• Partner strategically with Regulatory Affairs and Technical Information Group to ensure formulas meet global compliance and testing requirements.

• Collaborate with Technical Information Group on ingredients and formula optimization.

• Oversee management of the sample library and coordinate samples/packaging for internal meetings, Market Week, International Sales, and Training initiatives.

• Oversee the creation of consumer and clinical testing protocols, and manage testing programs, ensuring results are analyzed and applied to product strategy.

• Represent Product Development in artwork review and approval processes, providing strategic input and oversight.

• Participate in project status meetings and provide executive-level guidance on product priorities. • Drive trend and competitive analysis, synthesizing insights into actionable innovation and product development strategies.

• Partner with Marketing to guide initiatives, capitalize on growth opportunities, and support fact sheet or launch deliverables.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in Product Development within beauty, preferably with complexion, skincare and color experience, with 3–5 years in a leadership role

• Strong track record of working with contract manufacturers to build differentiated, high quality, consumer driven products with agility and impact

• Proven experience managing Product Development teams, mentoring highperforming managers, and leading cross-functional initiatives.

• Strong knowledge of formulation science, testing protocols, and global regulatory requirements. • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, vendors, and stakeholders simultaneously while delivering on timelines and quality standards.

• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering with Brand, Marketing, Regulatory, Technical, and external teams.

• Strategic thinker with a creative approach to innovation, consumer insights, and product problem-solving.

• Strong analytical, project management, and decision-making skills.

• Exceptional communication, influencing, and leadership capabilities.