Head of Product - Cowshed - (12 FTC Maternity Cover)

The Growth Foundation; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wellness and skincare group is seeking a Head of Product for a pivotal 12-month maternity cover contract. You will lead the strategic and creative direction of a high-profile heritage brand relaunch, taking charge of the full product vision from concept to launch. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience in product development within beauty or skincare, excellent communication skills, and a strong commercial mindset. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly during a transformative period.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in Product Development or Product Management within beauty, skincare, or personal care.
• Strong commercial mindset with confidence in owning margins and pricing strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier/manufacturer management and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic product development projects aligned with brand and commercial objectives.
• Own the product lifecycle: concepting, formulation, packaging, testing, and launch.
• Manage and develop supplier/manufacturer partnerships for quality and timely delivery.

Skills

Product Development

Commercial Mindset

Supplier Management

Excellent Communication

Job description

We are delighted to be partnering with an industry-leading wellness and skincare group—home to award-winning brands such as Cowshed and Soho Skin—to recruit a Head of Product for a pivotal 12-month maternity cover contract.

Rooted in botanical therapy, intelligent skincare innovation, and a proudly values-led culture (including B Corp certification), this organisation brings together heritage craftsmanship and modern, science-backed formulation. With a portfolio spanning skincare, bodycare, haircare, and fragrance, the business is entering a highly exciting period of transformation—and this role sits at the heart of it.

The Opportunity

This is a rare chance to lead the strategic and creative direction of a high-profile heritage brand relaunch. You will shape and deliver the full product vision—from strategy and concepting through to formulation, packaging, testing, and launch—at a critical moment in the brand’s evolution.

Acting as the central connector across Marketing, Creative, Operations, and senior leadership, you will drive an innovation pipeline that balances legacy with contemporary relevance. The role suits someone commercially astute, creatively curious, and highly collaborative, who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic product development projects aligned with brand and commercial objectives.

Own the full end-to-end product lifecycle: concepting, formulation, packaging, testing, and launch.

Turn consumer, market, and trend insights into concrete strategies and NPD recommendations.

Build and manage the NPD roadmap, including seasonal launches, core range refreshes and innovation extensions.

Partner cross-functionally to ensure timely, compliant, and brand-aligned launches.

Manage and develop supplier/manufacturer partnerships for quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.

Oversee product margins, pricing architecture and COGs optimisation.

Ensure packaging development, artwork and testing meet brand, quality and regulatory standards.

Identify and resolve risks across timelines, formulations, or compliance.

Provide clear reporting and updates for senior stakeholders.

About You

Senior-level experience in Product Development or Product Management within beauty, skincare, or personal care.

Background in heritage or luxury brand development is highly advantageous.

Strong commercial mindset with confidence in owning margins and pricing strategy.

Demonstrated experience in supplier/manufacturer management and negotiation.

Excellent communicator and influencer, comfortable working with senior leadership.

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, packaging development, testing and sustainability standards.

Highly organised, proactive, and solutions-led, with resilience in a fast-paced environment.

Why This Role?

Play a lead role in relaunching a beloved heritage beauty brand with modern relevance.

Join a passionate, global organisation powered by innovation, entrepreneurship and strong values.

An opportunity to make visible, high-impact contributions during a transformative period.