Product Development Lead

Elm Biosciences; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Elm Biosciences is seeking a Product Development Lead to own end-to-end development of our skincare portfolio, from concept to launch, across formulation and packaging. You will collaborate with labs, packaging suppliers, manufacturers, creative, operations, marketing, regulatory and leadership to deliver best-in-class products aligned with our luxury positioning.

The role requires translating insights and science into commercially viable products, building a long-term roadmap, and driving

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years in beauty skincare product development
• Experience leading both formulation and packaging development
• Experience launching prestige skincare products

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new skincare, wellness and adjacent product categories from initial concept through launch
• Translate consumer insights, scientific discoveries and brand strategy into commercially viable products
• Build and manage the long-term product roadmap alongside leadership
• Identify new technologies, ingredients, formats and packaging innovations
• Manage development timelines and cross-functional collaboration across R&D, operations, creative, marketing, regulatory and supply chain

Job description

Elm Biosciences is redefining healthy aging through clinically advanced skincare rooted in longevity science. Co-founded by Martha Stewart and renowned dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, we develop differentiated products that combine proprietary innovation, clinical validation, and elevated design.

We are looking for an exceptional Product Development Lead to own the end-to-end development of our product portfolio across both formulation and packaging. This is a highly cross-functional leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, design, operations, and execution.

The Role

The Product Development Lead will own the development process from concept through commercialization, partnering closely with formulation laboratories, packaging suppliers, manufacturers, creative, operations, marketing, regulatory, and leadership.

This person will ensure every Elm product delivers best-in-class performance while maintaining our luxury positioning, operational excellence, and aggressive launch timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new skincare, wellness and adjacent product categories from initial concept through launch
• Translate consumer insights, scientific discoveries and brand strategy into commercially viable products
• Build and manage the long-term product roadmap alongside leadership
• Identify new technologies, ingredients, formats and packaging innovations

Formula Development

• Manage formulation partners through concept, iteration, testing and commercialization
• Evaluate formulas against performance, stability, cost, manufacturability and regulatory requirements
• Drive competitive benchmarking and product performance standards
• Coordinate stability, compatibility, clinical and consumer testing
• Ensure formulas meet Elm's clinical and luxury performance standards

Packaging Development

• Own primary, secondary and tertiary packaging development
• Source innovative packaging solutions globally
• Partner with industrial designers, packaging engineers and suppliers
• Manage artwork readiness, technical specifications, compatibility testing and production timelines
• Balance premium aesthetics with functionality, sustainability and cost targets

Project Management

• Build detailed development timelines across all launches
• Drive cross-functional communication between R&D, operations, creative, marketing, regulatory and supply chain
• Identify risks early and proactively solve issues before they impact launch timing
• Maintain development documentation and stage-gate processes
• Manage formulation labs, packaging vendors, contract manufacturers and testing partners
• Negotiate pricing, MOQs and development costs
• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers as needed
• Support manufacturing scale-up and technology transfer
• Ensure products meet quality, regulatory and production requirements
• Partner with operations to execute successful launches
• Support forecasting, costing and inventory planning
• Improve development processes and documentation
• Create scalable systems that support a growing innovation pipeline
• Stay current on emerging ingredient technologies, packaging innovations and industry trends

Qualifications

• 7-12+ years of experience in beauty or skincare product development
• Experience leading both formulation and packaging development
• Strong understanding of cosmetic formulation, packaging materials and manufacturing
• Experience launching prestige skincare products
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex development programs simultaneously
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills
• Highly collaborative with exceptional communication skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment
• Passion for luxury beauty, innovation and longevity science

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with contract manufacturers and global suppliers
• Understanding of clinical testing and claims substantiation
• Familiarity with FDA cosmetic regulations and international requirements
• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives

Success in This Role

• Successfully delivered multiple launches on time and within budget
• Built a scalable product development process across formulation and packaging
• Strengthened Elm's supplier and innovation network
• Improved speed to market while maintaining uncompromising quality
• Helped shape the future product pipeline through differentiated innovation

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines scientific rigor with exceptional taste. This person obsesses over every detail, from formula texture to packaging finishes, and understands that every decision contributes to the customer's experience. They are equally comfortable evaluating a clinical data package, reviewing a packaging prototype, negotiating with suppliers, and solving manufacturing challenges.

They move quickly, communicate clearly, and hold an exceptionally high standard for quality. Above all, they are passionate about building products that genuinely advance the future of healthy aging.