Head of New Product Development

KJ Talent & Partners; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KJ Talent & Partners is partnering with a London-based skincare brand to appoint a Head of New Product Development. The role leads end-to-end NPD, guiding concept through testing, regulatory, packaging and launch.

You will own the NPD strategy, work with laboratories, chemists and partners, and collaborate with marketing, operations and supply chain to accelerate speed to market.

Qualifications

• Extensive skincare NPD experience with successful launches.
• Strong technical background in cosmetic formulation.
• Experience coordinating labs, manufacturers and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the skincare NPD strategy, roadmap and pipeline.
• Lead multiple new product developments from concept to global launch.
• Collaborate with founder on product vision and formulation.
• Oversee regulatory, testing, packaging and manufacturing.
• Manage budgets, timelines and cross-functional stakeholders.

Skills

Skincare NPD leadership

Formulation expertise

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Laboratory collaboration

Education

Cosmetic Science / Chemistry / Pharmaceutical Science degree

Job description

London | Hybrid – 3 days per week in the office

We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with a multi-award-winning, founder-led skincare brand to appoint an exceptional Head of New Product Development.

What began as a founder’s vision to create intelligent, highly effective skincare has developed into a successful global brand with an international customer base and an outstanding reputation within the skincare industry.

With multiple awards, an established global presence and ambitious plans for its next stage of growth, this is a particularly exciting time to join.

We’re looking for a Head of New Product Development who can take ownership of the NPD function and help shape the future of this exceptional skincare brand.

You’ll lead the end-to-end product development strategy and pipeline, taking new skincare products from the earliest concept and formulation stages through testing, regulatory, packaging, manufacturing and successful commercial launch.

The opportunity

• Own and drive the skincare NPD strategy, roadmap and innovation pipeline
• Lead multiple new product developments from concept through to global launch
• Partner closely with the founder on product vision, innovation and formulation
• Drive the development of high-performance, science-led skincare formulations
• Work closely with laboratories, chemists, manufacturers, packaging suppliers and specialist partners
• Oversee formulation briefs, sampling, testing, claims, compliance and regulatory requirements
• Identify emerging ingredients, technologies, formats and opportunities within skincare
• Manage critical paths, budgets, margins, timelines and commercial considerations
• Work cross-functionally with marketing, brand, operations, supply chain and commercial teams
• Continually elevate NPD processes, quality, innovation and speed to market

Who are we looking for?

Quite simply, we need someone who is an expert in skincare NPD.

What you’ll need

This is a highly technical NPD leadership appointment, so we’re looking for someone with exceptional skincare expertise:

• A degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a closely related scientific discipline – bringing a strong technical foundation and genuine understanding of cosmetic formulation and product development.
• Extensive NPD experience specifically within skincare – you’ll have personally led the development of high-performance skincare products and have an impressive track record of taking products from concept and formulation through to successful commercial launch.
• Expert knowledge of skincare formulation and active ingredients – with the technical confidence to discuss formulation architecture, ingredient selection, efficacy, stability, compatibility and product performance with chemists, laboratories and the founder.
• Strong knowledge of testing, claims and cosmetic regulatory requirements – understanding the technical and regulatory pathway required to successfully develop and commercialise premium skincare products across multiple markets.
• Proven experience managing complex end-to-end NPD programmes – confidently managing laboratories, manufacturers, packaging partners, suppliers, timelines, costs and cross-functional stakeholders while maintaining exceptionally high standards.

Please get in touch for a confidential conversation.