Reporting to: Global Head of Brand and Innovation
About AA:
For 40 years, Aromatherapy Associates has been a pioneer in harnessing the therapeutic power of essential oils. Founded in 1985 by Geraldine Howard & Sue Beechey - trained by renowned aromatherapist Micheline Arcier - our mission has remained unchanged: to share the profound benefits of aromatherapy for both mind and body.
Our award-winning blends, hand-crafted in our London laboratory, combine potent essential oils with active botanicals to create transformative body and skincare innovations. Available in over 50 markets through spa, retail, e-commerce, and distributor partners, we continue to lead the industry with expertise and passion.
Guided by Geraldine’s belief that “it’s more than just a business, it’s a way of life,” we are committed to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supporting global community projects. Our mindful approach ensures that every product nurtures both people and the planet.
Overview of the role:
As a Senior Product Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Aromatherapy Associates. You will lead the end-to-end development and delivery of all our new products and gift sets, while also driving key elements of our brand refresh project.
In this high-impact position, you will be responsible for executing the NPD plan, overseeing cross-functional project delivery, and managing the full product development cycle - from initial brief to launch. Your remit will include artwork and design, critical path ownership, stage gate process management, and control of costs and budgets. Ensuring the timely launch of innovative, consumer-centric products will be at the heart of your role.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Innovation Pipeline: Develop a 3-year innovation roadmap with the Global Head of Brand and Innovation, driving profitable growth while maintaining B-Corp credentials.
2. Product Strategy & NPD: Lead new product development from concept to launch, managing CPAs, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely execution.
3. Brand Refresh: Work on the reformulation, redesign, and repackaging of existing ranges while launching new products.
4. Stage Gate & Budget Management: Oversee Stage Gate approvals, ensuring COGs, RRPs, and margins align with financial targets. Manage the NPD budget with monthly reporting.
5. Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with brand, commercial, and operations teams to optimize product strategy, pricing, and assortment.
6. Artwork & Packaging: Lead the development and approval of artwork, packaging copy, and claims.
7. Stakeholder & Supplier Management: Oversee external partners to ensure high-quality execution.
8. Meetings & Reporting: Chair weekly NPD marketing meetings, present updates in leadership meetings, and use data insights to refine NPD strategies.
9. Market & Consumer Insights: Leverage data, trends, and competitor analysis to inform innovation and product strategy.
Person Specification:
As a Senior Product Manager, you will bring strong leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the consumer. You are relentless in driving best-in-class innovation, with an unwavering focus on commercial success. Passionate about continuous growth, you make every decision with the consumer at its core - ensuring impactful products that drive sales and brand excellence.
Our Ideal Candidate:
1. Experience: Over 7 years in new product development ideally within the beauty and personal care sector, with a proven track record of successful product concepts.
2. Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse market trends and identify opportunities to drive performance.
3. Project Management: Hands-on experience managing cross-functional CPA projects, consistently delivering innovative luxury products on time and within budget.
4. Product Lifecycle Knowledge: Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle functions, combined with a proactive and self-driven approach.
5. Stage Gate Process: Proven experience independently executing the stage gate process for product development.
6. Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of market dynamics and consumer behaviour, with the ability to drive product profitability and growth by aligning initiatives with commercial goals.
7. Stakeholder Management: Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including agencies and suppliers, to ensure collaboration and alignment throughout the product development process.
8. Creative Skills: Strong capabilities in developing concepts, crafting packaging briefs, and writing product copy.
9. Budget Management: Experience in effectively managing and monitoring NPD budgets.
10. Collaboration & Negotiation: Excellent collaboration skills and strong negotiation abilities.
11. Problem-Solving & Attention to Detail: Proactive problem solver with exceptional attention to detail.
12. Passion for the Brand: Genuine enthusiasm for aromatherapy and wellness.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Marketing
Industries
Wellness and Fitness Services
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