Director- Product Development (IT Cosmetics)

Loreal; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Medical benefits

Pension plan

VIP shop discounts

Learning & development

Job summary

L’Oréal's IT Cosmetics division seeks a Director of Product Development to lead end-to-end innovation from concept to production. You will guide formula ideas, coordinate with R&I, suppliers, and internal teams to meet quality, timelines, and claims across the skincare portfolio.

You will drive category strategy, oversee briefing and testing, and present innovations to management and retailers. Travel domestically and internationally is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 6+ years of cosmetic product development experience.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Deep knowledge of skincare ingredients and beauty markets.

Responsibilities

• Build and propose category innovation strategy and new product concepts.
• Identify white spaces and market needs for consumer insights.
• Lead formula development with labs and suppliers to meet quality and claims.
• Oversee briefing, testing, and feedback on new launches and reformulations.
• Collaborate on packaging, marketing materials, and go-to-market strategies.

Skills

Cosmetic product development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Trend analysis

Communication skills

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 lead 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)