Job Description
Global Senior Manager, Product Innovation, Skin Care - Global Luxury Beauty Brand
KJ Talent & Partners are delighted to be exclusively partnering with our client in the search for a Senior Manager to lead on new product innovation within its skincare category.
This truly remarkable global luxury brand has enjoyed phenomenal growth to date and has further global expansion plans. One of the world’s most desirable luxury brands, our client is a pioneer in bringing exciting, category disrupting luxury skin care, fragrance, and haircare to market. Our client does not test on animals and all products are vegan. The brand is also on a journey to reduce its footprint on the planet that so generously sustains us. Progress so far has resulted in B CorpTM certification.
Throughout its growth, the brand has maintained a true SME culture at its heart. In this role, you can be sure that your voice will be heard. You’ll be able to execute ideas quickly and really feel like you’re moving the needle – no red tape!
This demanding role offers highly rewarding long-term opportunities for an individual with confidence, gravitas, and an ability to calmly think on their feet to manage ambiguity and perform well under pressure.
Reporting directly into the Product Director, with high-level accountability and autonomy, you will play a critical role in determining the product innovation strategy, in developing the luxury skin care portfolio, and in driving long-term category growth.
If you have a passion for innovation, technical expertise in product concept development and formulation, and the ability to think differently to translate trends and market opportunities into product innovation, then this is an ideal role.
Responsibilities:
* As product expert, understand and articulate skin care portfolio positioning, and demonstrate technical expertise in ingredients and formulations to deliver required benefits
* Define and develop the product innovation strategy in partnership with Product Innovation Director and in line with category strategic frame and direction
* Seek, synthesise, and share market insights, product trends and innovation
* Identify product improvement, reformulation, enhancement, reinforcement, and repositioning opportunities via product line reviews, partnering with other senior product innovation managers and marketing teams
* Strategise reformulation needs and priorities with R&D, Compliance, and Operations
* Lead and inspire ideation and definition of new product opportunities in line with category strategic frame in collaboration with Marketing and R&D
* Ensure feasibility and profitability and manage legal aspects of product development
* Make recommendations for product range rationalisation
* Prepare comprehensive briefs and partner with R&D and Packaging on product benefits, claims, ingredients of interest and sensorial features
* Partner with Product Communications and R&D to deliver compelling, brand aligned product claims
* Review product label copy, PDPs and press releases from product formula perspective
* Support development of technical skin care training and communications for Product Consultants
Experience & skills required:
* Extensive global experience in creating successful, innovative products and formulations
* ‘Hands-on’ product development experience, from concept ideation to execution
* Exceptional product formulation expertise
* Advanced technical capability in the assessment and validation of skin care and / or other cosmetic formulations
* International work experience, ideally across more than two regions, for global, multi-channel business, working at both a strategic and tactical level
* Deep understanding of regional and global market dynamics, nuances, customer preferences, product innovation, and trend forecasting
* Strong project management experience within consumer goods and / or beauty industry
* Experience in collaborating with and co-leading cross-functional teams across geographies
* Proven people management experience, coaching and developing multi-level direct reports and cross-functional colleagues
* Strong understanding of product development capabilities across packaging, décor; and retro planning
* Scrupulous attention to detail
* Advanced communication skills
* Proactive problem-solving capability
* Demonstrated ability to manage cost / budget, scope, schedule and risk
* Degree qualification in business, science or marketing (scientific and / or technical communication qualification highly regarded)
The nature of this role requires flexibility in working arrangements to accommodate work across multiple regions and time zones.