Senior Beauty & Wellness Product Development Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Remote-first culture

Work from anywhere in South Africa

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Beauty & Wellness Product Development Manager to drive the creation and launch of groundbreaking products from a fully remote setting. You will lead cross-functional teams across marketing, sales, and R&D, ensuring concepts move smoothly from ideation to commercialization.

The role requires 7+ years in product development within beauty/wellness, strong knowledge of cosmetic formulations and manufacturing, and superb project management.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in product development.
• Proven ability to launch beauty and wellness products to market.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end beauty and wellness product development lifecycles from ideation to launch.
• Conduct market analyses to identify trends, consumer needs and competitive landscape.
• Collaborate with R&D to formulate and test concepts ensuring safety and quality.
• Develop product briefs, specs and cost targets to optimize profitability and positioning.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources to deliver projects on schedule.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers to oversee production quality.
• Partner with marketing and sales for compelling positioning and go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor post-launch performance and gather feedback for iterations.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and compliance standards.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Market analysis

Regulatory & quality standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree is a plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative leader in the beauty and wellness sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Beauty & Wellness Product Development Manager to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role is responsible for driving the creation and launch of groundbreaking new products that align with market trends and consumer demands. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the beauty and wellness industry, coupled with exceptional project management and strategic planning skills. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and R&D, to ensure seamless product development from concept to commercialization. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our client's product portfolio and make a significant impact from a **fully remote** setting, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative remote-first environment where your expertise will be valued and rewarded.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire product development lifecycle for new beauty and wellness products, from initial ideation and market research to final production and launch.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify emerging trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscapes within the beauty and wellness industry.
• Collaborate closely with the R&D team to formulate and test new product concepts, ensuring efficacy, safety, and quality standards are met.
• Develop detailed product briefs, specifications, and cost targets, working to achieve optimal profitability and market positioning.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
• Liaise with external suppliers and manufacturers to oversee production processes and ensure product quality and consistency.
• Work with marketing and sales teams to develop compelling product positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor post-launch product performance and gather consumer feedback for continuous improvement and future product iterations.
• Stay abreast of regulatory requirements and compliance standards within the beauty and wellness sector.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in product development, preferably within the beauty and wellness industry.
• Demonstrated success in launching innovative beauty or wellness products to market.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic formulations, ingredient science, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in market research methodologies and data analysis.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Chemistry, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience working in a **fully remote** or hybrid environment is highly preferred.
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and able to thrive in an independent work setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A supportive and collaborative **remote-first** company culture.
• The flexibility to work from anywhere within **South Africa**.
• Access to the latest industry tools and technologies.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for career advancement.