Product Development Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and talented Product Development Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be developing quality, innovative, first-to-market color and haircare products for the IGK brand. As a member of the Product Development team, you will collaborate with Packaging, Supply Chain, Brand Marketing, Sales and Regulatory and report directly to the Director of Product Development.

Remote Work

This role is classified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standard Act’s overtime requirement, is remote, and open to candidates based in US. The position requires working in EST hours, so candidates located on the East Coast are preferred. The work environment is primarily remote, requiring reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace free from significant distractions.

What You’ll Do

• 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
• Create comprehensive lab briefs and ensure 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 expertise in hair types, textures, color services, and styling techniques to evaluate product performance and support innovation, testing, and positioning
• 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

Qualifications

• 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
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times
• Must be able to store, organize and reference physical samples regularly
• Must be able to organize, coordinate and oversee quarterly in-person product evaluation days in Miami or NY
• Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel, twist, and squat to adjust or position equipment, cameras, or set up for events
• Prolonged periods standing, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Must be able to focus on detailed work for extended periods, which may lead to eye strain or fatigue
• Must be able to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, including typing and using a mouse
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, often time-sensitive environment

Why You’ll Love Us

• Health and Wellness 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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work-Life Balance
• Financial Security
• Employee Perks
• Quarterly Sample Boxes Featuring Our Brands Products
• Employee Referral Program with Rewards

Equal Opportunity Employer

Luxury Brand Partners, LLC participates in E-Verify.