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Director of Skincare Product and Technical Development

New York, New York, United States
 
MERIT is a minimalist beauty brand that makes impossible to mess up products for a multi-generational community. Designed by makeup consumers — not artists — MERIT was created as the antidote to the overwhelming world of beauty. We simplify what it takes to get ready by creating only well-edited essentials that help you do more with less. With minimalism at its core, MERIT remains intentional in the products it creates, spending years perfecting every detail to ensure it’s not just another product, but one that you can live with for years to come.

The Director of Skincare Product and Technical Development will lead strategic NPD for Skincare, OTC, Fragrance categories, from concept to launch, and manage the current product portfolio. In this role you will partner closely with internal and external partners to ensure timely product launches, managing risks and tradeoffs along the development process to deliver products with the highest standards of quality and performance that meet business objectives and delight our customers. 

Responsibilities: 

New Category/Product Development

  • Manage and execute all phases of new product development, from ideation through launch for Skincare, OTC, and Fragrance categories
  • Leverage in-depth experience managing product development from concept through testing, scale-up, manufacturing and launch, to create efficiencies, manage risks and ensure timely launches
  • Partner closely with internal cross-functional partners and lead all communications as it relates to product briefs, formula feedback, packaging, copy and claims, artwork and regulatory deliverables
  • Manage ongoing external partners relationships (contract manufacturers, fragrance houses, packaging suppliers, raw material suppliers); grow and cultivate strategic partnerships with key vendors
  • Meet with raw material vendors to help identify breakthrough active ingredients/claims and exclusive development opportunities to support innovation
  • Analyze competitive launches, market data, scientific and industry developments to keep a pulse on innovation and provide data-driven support for new product concepts, as it pertains to the brand and its retail environment
  • Lead technical strategies, e.g., technical IP, proprietary raw material blends/stories, innovative chemistries and technologies
  • Drive all formula testing parameters including stability, compatibility, specifications, safety and efficacy (clinical/consumer) testing
  • Review all ingredient lists for compliance 
  • Troubleshoot stability, compatibility and/or scale-up issues, leading the taskforce to identify where the issue is coming from and advise on solutions
  • Teach and mentor cross functional team members on the product development process

Existing Category Management

  • Optimize existing product portfolio, updating or replacing formulas as needed, to keep the company’s product offering compliant and relevant to the current market
  • Identify and drive quick formula modifications for market expansion and/or value engineering opportunities

Requirements:

  • 7+ years of product development experience across broad product categories (skincare OTC, bodycare, fragrance), running projects through full formula and packaging development cycle
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science or related field; MBA preferred
  • Hands on formulation skills; an ability to easily redirect formula chemistries on paper
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects through strong prioritization and planning
  • Strategic and analytical mindset, with a proven record of solving complex challenges throughout the PD process
  • A high attention to detail
  • A proven track record of taking ownership and driving results
  • An ability to be nimble and quickly pivot based on business priorities and goals
  • An ability to establish relationships with domestic and international contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers formulating partners
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
  • A deep understanding of the beauty space with a pulse on industry trends, new innovations, etc.
  • Uphold and be a steward of Merit’s core values
  • An ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 20% of time) 

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package in addition to salary compensation. The annual salary range for this role is $150,000 -$170,000 (DOE), in addition to bonus potential, stock options, a 401(k) match, health benefits, paid time off and more. The final salary will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the individual's experience and qualifications.

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