Director, IT Cosmetics Product Development, Make-up Category

Location: El Segundo, CA

About the role

The Director of Product Development will partner with the AVP, Product Development to manage the product development and innovation for the IT Cosmetics product line, from concept to first delivery of production.

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 the consumer.
• Build product ideas from scratch informed by business and consumer insights, working with internal labs and key suppliers to execute.
• Scout formulas and packaging solutions from trade shows, supplier meetings, and internal showcases to leverage as strategic additions 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 business needs and developing strategic ways of working.
• Foster strong relationships and maintain excellent communication with key internal stakeholders including R&I, development, sourcing, marketing, packaging, and GBD.
• Strategize on positioning, concepts, and claims in partnership with marketing, bringing the perspective of a formula expert to ensure all communication aligns with product performance and benefits.
• Own the briefing process to suppliers and internal labs for all new launches, ensuring alignment on project goals and key success criteria.
• Evaluate, test, and clearly communicate feedback on all formulas submitted for new launches and reformulations.
• Continually assess key decisions and information sharing, proposing topics for weekly touch-bases with upper management.
• Assist in the development of product packaging, copy, and launch materials, collaborating with Creative, Marketing, and Development teams.
• Collaborate with education and US teams on go-to-market communications, tips, tricks, and product backstories.
• Prepare formula information for marketing books for each new launch to be distributed internally and globally.
• Present innovations to management and retailers.
• Monitor all key deadlines for new launches and reformulations, elevating risks related to timing, quality, and claims.
• Maintain an organized library of all formula and packaging samples, approved standards, and color/texture benchmarks.
• Stay up to date on latest launches and maintain a pulse on evolving consumer needs.
• Work with R&I, claims, and valorization teams to plan all testing needs, including consumer perception tests, concept/product validation tests, and clinical tests.
• Monitor ratings and reviews of new and core launches to propose optimizations as needed.
• Maintain relevant information on new competitive entries, ingredients, associated claims’ benefits, and new industrial/technical processing capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in cosmetic product development.
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative energy, willing to think outside the box and propose improvements to projects and ways of working.
• 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 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.
• Strong understanding of the cosmetic industry, formulation, and ingredients.
• Able to provide detailed written and verbal directions to chemists on texture, color, and performance.
• Business-minded—conscious of cost constraints and market/retailer needs while remaining vigilant about protecting product quality and brand values.
• Strong PowerPoint and AI image creation skills.
• Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to deliver a clear and concise message.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan).
• Hybrid work policy (3 days in office, 2 days work from home).
• Flexible time off (Paid company holidays, paid vacation, vacation buy program, volunteer time, summer Fridays, and more).
• Access to company perks (VIP access to L’Oréal’s internal shop for discounted products, monthly mobile allowance).
• Learning and development opportunities (Unlimited access to e-learnings, lunch and learn sessions, mentorship programs, and more).
• Employee resource groups (Think tanks and innovation squads).

Pay

Salary range: $126,900–$184,000 (actual compensation will depend on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level).