Director- Product Development (IT Cosmetics)

L'Oréal; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Hybrid work

Paid time off

Discounted products

Learning programs

Job summary

L'Oréal is seeking a Director of Product Development for the IT Cosmetics line in El Segundo, CA. This role partners with senior leadership to manage product development from concept to first production delivery, driving new ideas while ensuring quality, timelines, and cost targets are met.

The Director will work with R&I, development, sourcing, marketing, and external suppliers to execute innovative concepts, packaging, and claims. Domestic and international travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years in cosmetic product development.
• Experience leading development from concept to launch with cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of skincare ingredients and trends.
• Ability to manage timelines, costs, and quality for product launches.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Build and propose category innovation strategy and new product concepts.
• Identify market white spaces and consumer needs.
• Develop product ideas with labs and suppliers from concept to launch.
• Advise on formulas, packaging, and shade selections aligned with brand.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timing and quality.
• Collaborate on go-to-market messaging and claims with marketing.
• Own briefing processes to suppliers and labs for launches and reformulations.
• Evaluate formulas, communicate feedback, and monitor risks and timelines.
• Prepare packaging copy and launch materials, coordinating with Creative and Marketing.
• Present innovations to management and retailers as needed.
• Track deadlines, update on risks, and maintain a library of samples and standards.
• Stay current on launches and evolving consumer needs.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Creativity

Problem solving

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PowerPoint

AI image creation

Job description

Job Title: Director – Product Development

Brand: IT Cosmetics

Location: El Segundo, CA

Job Summary

The Director of Product Development will partner with the AVP, Product Development to manage the product development and innovation for the It Cosmetics product line, from concept to first delivery of production. This person will be responsible for proposing new product and formula ideas, working with cross functional partners as well as externals suppliers to execute while ensuring quality, timelines, cost targets, and claims are all met.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and propose category innovation strategy, preparing new product concepts, and brainstorming technology and ingredient stories.
• Identify white spaces in the market that address the needs of our consumer.
• Build product ideas from scratch informed by the needs of the business/consumer insights and trend, working with our internals labs and key suppliers to execute.
• Scout formulas and pack solutions from trade shows, supplier meetings, internal showcases, etc, that can be leveraged as strategic adds to the launch plan.
• Propose strategic shade selections that align with product concept, brand equity, and global needs while ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external suppliers and industry partners, sharing needs of the business and developing strategic ways of working.
• Foster strong relationships and maintain excellent communication with key internal stakeholders including R&I, development, sourcing, marketing, packaging, GBD, and more.
• Strategize on positioning, concepts and claims in partnership with marketing for all launches, bringing the POV of a formula expert and ensuring that all communication aligns to the true performance and benefits of the products.
• Own the briefing process to suppliers and internal labs for all new launches, ensuring alignment on the goals of the project and key success criteria.
• Evaluate, test, and clearly communicate feedback on all formulas submitted for new launches and reformulations.
• Continually assess key decisions needed and key information sharing and propose topics for weekly TBs with upper management.
• Assist in the development of product packaging, copy and launch materials, collaborating with Creative, Marketing, and Development.
• Collaborate with education and US team on go to market communications, tips and tricks, backstories on products, etc.
• Prepare formula information for marketing books for each new launch to be distributed internally and globally.
• Present innovations to management, retailers, etc.
• Monitor all key deadlines for new launches and reformulations, elevate risks to timing, quality, claims, etc.
• Maintain an organized library of all formula and pack samples, approved standards, color/texture benchmarks, etc.
• Stay up to date on latest launches, maintain a pulse on the evolving needs of the consumer.
• Work with R&I, claims, and valorization teams to plan all testing needs including consumer perception tests, concept/product validation tests, clinical tests, etc.
• Monitor ratings and reviews of new and core launches to propose optimizations as needed.
• Maintain relevant information of new competitive entries, ingredients and associated claims’ benefits – as well as new industrial/technical processing capabilities.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 6+ years relevant experience in cosmetic product development.
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative energy, willing to think outside the box and propose improvements to projects, ways of working, etc.
• Strong understanding of key beauty markets (US, EU, Asia).
• Strong understanding of skincare ingredients and the skin concerns of the 40+ consumer.
• Strong understanding of beauty trends.
• Strong cross functional skills.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Leading with creativity and passion for the consumer while also possessing strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, meet fluctuating deadlines, and remain flexible to project scope changes.
• Action oriented: Proactive, resourceful, and agile. Excellent creative problem solver.
• Must have strong understanding of cosmetic industry, formulation, and ingredients. Able to provide detailed written and verbal directions to chemist on texture, color and performance.
• Business mined- conscience of cost constraints and market/retailer needs while remaining vigilant about protecting product quality and brand values.
• Strong PowerPoint/AI image creation skills.
• Exceptional presentation skills, ability to deliver a clear and concise message.
• Ability to travel domestic and internationally

Additional Benefits Information As Follows

• Salary Range: 126,900-$184,000 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
• Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Hybrid Work Policy (3 Days in Office, 2 Days Work from Home)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning & Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)