Senior Product Development Manager - Natural Cosmetics

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Product Development Manager to lead remote-first innovation in natural cosmetics. You will drive concept-to-market launches, leveraging cosmetic formulation expertise and cross-functional leadership within a distributed team.

Responsibilities cover end-to-end development of skincare, makeup, and personal care products, partner with R&D, regulatory, and supply chain, and ensure global regulatory compliance while aligning with brand ethos and sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' experience in cosmetics product development.
• Expertise in natural and organic ingredient sourcing and COSMOS/ECOCERT.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for natural cosmetics (skincare, makeup, personal care).
• Collaborate with R&D to develop innovative formulations using natural ingredients.
• Define specs, target costs, and timelines for new initiatives.
• Oversee scale-up with manufacturing partners for seamless production.
• Ensure regulatory compliance for international standards.

Skills

Product development leadership

Cosmetic formulation

Project management

Remote teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry/Cosmetic Science

PhD in related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in the natural and organic beauty space, is seeking an accomplished Senior Product Development Manager to lead their remote-first product innovation efforts. This role is pivotal in driving the creation of high-quality, natural cosmetic products from concept through to market launch. You will leverage your extensive experience in cosmetic formulation, project management, and understanding of natural ingredients to deliver products that align with our client's brand ethos and consumer expectations. Working within a fully distributed team, you will collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, regulatory affairs, and supply chain professionals to ensure successful product development cycles. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of natural cosmetics from the convenience of your home office, connecting you to the market dynamics of East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for natural cosmetic products, including skincare, makeup, and personal care items.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to develop innovative formulations using natural and organic ingredients, ensuring efficacy and safety.
• Conduct market research and analyze consumer trends to identify new product opportunities and concepts.
• Define product specifications, target costs, and project timelines for new product initiatives.
• Oversee the scale-up process, working with manufacturing partners to ensure seamless production.
• Manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.
• Liaise with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with all relevant international standards and certifications for natural cosmetics.
• Develop compelling product positioning and support marketing claims with substantiation.
• Monitor product performance post-launch and provide insights for continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and third-party manufacturers, particularly those aligned with natural and sustainable practices.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to junior product development personnel in the context of the East London market understanding.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development within the cosmetics or personal care industry, with a strong focus on natural and organic products.
• Proven track record of successfully launching natural cosmetic products to market.
• In-depth knowledge of natural ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and relevant certifications (e.g., COSMOS, ECOCERT).
• Strong understanding of formulation science, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities, crucial for remote team dynamics.
• Familiarity with global regulatory requirements for natural and organic cosmetics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Insights into consumer preferences within regions like the Eastern Cape are a valuable asset.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead innovation in the rapidly expanding natural beauty market.
• Contribution to sustainable and ethical product development.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Work with a passionate team dedicated to creating clean beauty products for consumers near East London and globally.