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Director of Product Development, Complexion

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 Product Development, Complexion will lead strategic development and innovation across the complexion category, overseeing new program launches and the ongoing management of existing complexion products, which includes OTCs. From ideation through formulation, testing, manufacturing, and launch, you will partner closely with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver high-performance, inclusive, and innovative complexion products that align with brand vision and market demand. You will ensure products meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and compliance, while driving efficiency, speed to market, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities:

New Product Development – Complexion Focus

  • Own the end-to-end product development lifecycle for complexion products (e.g., foundations, concealers, powders, tinted bases), from concept through launch
  • Translate product marketing concepts into strategic product briefs that drive innovation and differentiation in the market
  • Partner with internal teams (Marketing, Packaging, Ops) and external partners (labs, contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers) to manage timelines, deliverables, and execution
  • Develop and execute technical strategies including shade range development, formula customization, proprietary ingredient stories, and sensory optimization
  • Lead all testing for complexion launches, including stability, compatibility, performance, and consumer/clinical validation
  • Stay current on trends in skin tones, finishes, hybrid skincare-makeup formulas, and complexion technologies to ensure category leadership and relevance
  • Identify and evaluate new vendor technologies for potential launches and lead internal shareouts to senior management 
  • Vet and establish relationships with contract manufacturers and formulators specializing in complexion technologies and inclusive shade development

Product Optimization & Portfolio Management

  • Evaluate and refine existing complexion products to ensure ongoing relevance, compliance, and innovation
  • Lead cost optimization, shade extension, and regional adaptation projects to support brand growth and international expansion
  • Troubleshoot formulation or manufacturing issues in partnership with technical and operations teams
  • Serve as the complexion category expert, guiding internal teams on formulation science, ingredient trends, and product positioning
  • Lead vendor communications, negotiate development timelines, and manage external innovation pipelines
  • Partner with Regulatory to ensure formulas meet all global compliance standards
  • Educate and mentor internal teams on the complexion development process, timelines, and technical nuances

Qualifications: 

  • 8+ years of product development experience in the beauty industry, with a strong focus on complexion and face makeup
  • Proven track record developing inclusive shade ranges and performance-based formulas in the complexion space
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field required; advanced degree a plus 
  • Hands-on formulation knowledge with the ability to evaluate, revise, and optimize formula compositions
  • Experience leading full-cycle product development from ideation through commercialization
  • Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
  • Deep understanding of pigment dispersion, texture modification, and formulation challenges specific to complexion
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
  • A strong pulse on color cosmetics trends, market shifts, and consumer needs, particularly in the complexion space
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally

MERIT is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package in addition to compensation. The annual salary range for this role is $150,000- $170,000.00 per year, in addition to bonus potential, stock options, a 401(k) match, health benefits, paid time off and more.

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