Director, Product Development, Beauty

Gap Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,800 - 209,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% off regular-priced merchandise

Competitive paid time off

401(k) plan with matching

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Gap Inc. is looking for a Production Director to oversee production strategy across its beauty portfolio. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in beauty production, leading complex vendor ecosystems, and ensuring quality and compliance standards are met.

This role demands strong financial acumen and operational management skills as it involves driving production efficiencies and leading a high-performing team within a growth-focused environment. The position offers a competitive salary and employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in managing complex vendor ecosystems.
• Deep understanding of beauty manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in high-growth consumer products environments.

Responsibilities

• Own production strategy and execution across beauty categories.
• Lead end-to-end production execution, ensuring quality standards.
• Manage strategic relationships with international manufacturers.
• Oversee production budget and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Build and lead a high-performing production organization.

Skills

Beauty production leadership

Vendor management

Financial acumen

Operational efficiencies

Regulatory compliance

Education

10+ years in beauty production

Job description

Gap Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We hire based on qualifications and promise to make all employment decisions without regard to protected status.

About the Role

The Production Director will own production strategy and execution across the Gap Inc. Beauty portfolio, managing manufacturing operations, vendor partnerships, commercialization timelines, and supply chain readiness from development through launch. This role sits at the intersection of Product Development, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Planning, Creative, Finance, and Legal to ensure products are delivered on time, within cost targets, and at the quality standards required to scale a best‑in‑class beauty business.

What You’ll Do

Production & Commercialization Leadership

• Lead end‑to‑end production execution across all beauty categories including fragrance, bath & body, body care, wellness, gifting, and seasonal programs
• Own commercialization timelines from formula lock through final production and retail delivery
• Build scalable production processes and operational frameworks to support rapid category expansion and growth
• Establish launch readiness governance and milestone tracking across all cross‑functional stakeholders
• Drive speed‑to‑market optimization while maintaining quality and margin standards

Vendor & Manufacturing Management

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, fillers, and packaging suppliers
• Lead vendor selection, capability assessments, and ongoing performance management
• Negotiate production timelines, MOQs, lead times, and operational terms in partnership with Sourcing and Finance
• Build contingency and risk mitigation strategies across the vendor network
• Partner with suppliers to drive innovation, scalability, and cost optimization opportunities

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure all products meet retailer, regulatory, and quality standards across applicable markets
• Partner with Regulatory and Legal teams to oversee testing, documentation, claims substantiation, and compliance readiness
• Establish QA/QC protocols and escalation processes across the production lifecycle
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action plans for quality or supply disruptions
• Ensure adherence to GMP and industry best practices

Packaging & Supply Chain Coordination

• Partner closely with Packaging Development to align component readiness with production schedules
• Oversee production planning and supply coordination to support launch calendars and replenishment needs
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Planning teams to manage inventory risk, production allocation, and operational continuity
• Support forecasting and capacity planning for future scale scenarios

Financial & Operational Management

• Own production budget management and support margin optimization initiatives
• Drive productivity improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies
• Partner with Finance on COGS management, accruals, and production forecasting
• Monitor operational KPIs including OTIF, lead times, fill rates, defect rates, and production costs

Team & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Build and lead a high‑performing production organization as the business scales
• Serve as a key operational partner across Product Development, Brand, Merchandising, Creative, Supply Chain, and Strategy
• Foster a culture of accountability, agility, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Support executive updates and operational reporting for senior leadership and governance forums

Who You Are

• 10+ years of experience in beauty production, manufacturing, operations, or supply chain leadership
• Strong expertise across beauty categories including fragrance, personal care, bath & body, skincare, or cosmetics
• Experience scaling production operations within a high‑growth beauty or consumer products environment
• Proven track record managing complex vendor ecosystems and commercialization processes
• Deep understanding of beauty manufacturing, packaging production, QA/QC, and regulatory requirements
• Experience leading cross‑functional operational initiatives and driving process optimization
• Strong financial and operational acumen with experience managing budgets and margin considerations

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting private label and/or vertically integrated beauty businesses
• Experience working within specialty retail, omnichannel, or high‑volume consumer environments
• Familiarity with global sourcing and international manufacturing networks
• Experience supporting rapid launch cycles and seasonal innovation calendars

Salary Range

$160,800.00 – $209,100.00. Pay may vary based on qualifications, experience, skill level, and location.

Benefits

• Merchandise discount: 50% off regular‑priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta; 30% off at Outlet
• Competitive paid time off plan
• Up to five “on‑the‑clock” volunteer hours per month
• Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching up to 4% of base pay
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Other benefits available – see the employee benefits portal for details