Executive Director, Product Development chez Luxury Brand Partners

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (Hybrid) 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and talented Executive Director of Product Development to join our team. 

The Executive Director of Product Development is responsible for innovating and developing 

transformative, first-to-market products in all categories: complexion, color, skincare, body care and face products for ONE/SIZE Beauty. This position will be a strong thought partner for our Brand Founder, and has the passion and desire to dream big and create never-before-seen formulations with virality, authenticity and inclusivity at the forefront. This individual will work closely with the Packaging Team, and all cross-functional teams: Marketing, Social, Operations and Finance. The successful candidate will have significant experience in custom formula development and innovation, ideally in beauty and luxury; and be ambitious, creative, detail-oriented and self-motivated. 

The Executive Director of Product Development will embody the O/S Operating Principles of operating lean, prioritizing action, being resourceful AF, prioritizing shared process, crafting greatness one detail at a time and being customer and community obsessed.

 The Product Development Manager will align with the O/S Brand Values of love, self-expression, authenticity, boldness, and diversity while being welcoming, aspirational, approachable, unapologetic, and unexpected. As a member of the PD & Packaging team, you will collaborate with teams cross-functionally and report directly to the VP of Product Development and Packaging.

HYBRID: This role is classified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standard Act’s overtime requirement and is open to candidates based in Los Angeles, CA. While the position is primarily remote, it follows a hybrid schedule requiring 2 days in-person work at Culver City, CA 90230. The role requires working in PST hours, so candidates located on West Coast are preferred. A reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace free from significant distractions are essential for remote work. The role requires travel domestically and overseas.

What You’ll Do:

Essential Job Functions

• Develop 3 year innovation pipeline, strategize on positioning (ingredients, technology, claims)
• Work closely with the Brand Founder and internal teams as a strong, strategic thought partner and ideate on creative new innovation to execute the dream
• Strategize with VP of PD on product pipeline/calendar to drive growth in winning categories and white space innovation
• Present in weekly meetings to Founder, Brand President, VP of PD and internal teams
• Partner with our Sales Team and retailers to strategize on key launch programs
• Drive brainstorming sessions, play-dates and in-the-kitchen meetings with our Brand Founder, internal team and retail partners
• Evaluate formula submissions with Brand Founder and internal testing team
• Formula and shade testing on internal team and models 
• Responsible for creating comprehensive lab briefs and effective daily communication with chemists 
• Gathering new raw material and ingredient innovation information to create unique formulations and product storytelling
• Lead internal communication with cross-functional teams as it relates to product briefs, formula evaluation, shade selections, copy and claims, artwork and regulatory deliverables
• Create and brief marketing team to create packaging copy, claims
• Work closely with Legal to trademark product names 
• Address any social feedback or questions regarding formula and consumer experience
• Lead presentations for new innovation and product concepts with internal team meetings and retailer market meetings
• Responsible for researching new ingredients, textures, products to allow for greater innovation
• Manage all on-going formula development, and new product innovations, shade selections
• Build and maintain effective and strong relationships with contract manufacturers and 3rd party vendors
• Partner with Packaging Director and Supply Chain Team to ensure cost targets and timing are accurate and achievable
• Responsible for establishing prelim COGs and project feasibility and margin targets
• Create initial timelines with creative and execution milestones to lead product launch calendar
• Monitor and maintain on-time delivery of critical project milestones, update and track PD timelines
• Daily communication with external partners to manage development and testing, including on-site approvals 
• Own PD formula and testing budget, working closely with VP, PD & Packaging to maintain costs and tracking invoices
• Manage filling with 1^st production and line trials with the Packaging Team
• Organize innovation meetings with raw material suppliers, contract manufacturers, clinical testing houses for PD brainstorms
• Successfully work with the compliance department on regulatory and testing protocols and questionnaires 
• Manage all testing protocols to ensure compliancy of claims, usage instructions, and packaging copy. Track all testing dates to ensure timely launch
• Facilitate all bulk and samples for all testing (consumer in use/claims, Safety/RIPT, water activity, etc.) and coordinate final claims with Regulatory 
• Strategize and work with internal testing committee for product testing and feedback
• Understand competitive landscape by analyzing Sephora ratings and reviews by category, reviewing social media commentary, sales data, etc
• Partner with packaging counterparts to assist with component development and testing, then synthesize user feedback; research marketplace to identify competitive insights
• Tracking of all lab submissions, feedback, batch submissions, reformulations, distribution of samples with Founder and internal testing teams 
• Drive on time market samples and comps for retailer partners
• Own and manage PD samples for all key decision makers
• Manage development of O/S projects from ideation through approval including but not limited to competitive analysis, benchmarking, product brief creation, ingredient selection, shade proposals, submission tracking and timeline management
• Lead discussions in weekly PD strategy meetings and quarterly dream meetings
• Lead Trend Forecasting and present data to internal teams
• Build and maintain effective and strong relationships with contract manufacturers and 3rd party vendors
• Support consumer and clinical testing along with copy substantiation 
• Manage stability testing samples and deadlines
• Support weekly vendor and NPD status on behalf of PD
• Lead product education sessions for all new launches for internal teams

What You’ll Bring:

To excel in this role, you must meet the following qualifications. Reasonable accommodations can be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree or higher 
• 10+ years' relevant work experience within product development 
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior or directorial-level role
• Passionate about the beauty industry, skincare, fashion and related fields
• Innovation mindset. Not afraid to push the boundaries
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to establish procedures, processes and policies. Openness to improving processes. 
• Understanding of timely execution to expedited timelines 
• Excellent work ethic, with the ability to be a self-starter and manage up
• Must be extremely organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and adept at prioritizing and working on multiple projects at once to meet timelines
• Strong eye for color
• Strong presentation skills
• Strategic thinker and open to shared feedback  
• Ability to work in fast-paced, collaborative environment and ability to pivot when needed
• Leads with respect and empathy
• Values open communication and honesty
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Domestic & international travel required
• Understanding of Sephora / Retailer Sales environment preferred
• Professional and positive demeanor
• Champions the unseen and the unheard
• Makeup artist or beauty advisor experience is a plus
• Cosmetic chemist or contract manufacturer experience is a plus

Team Leadership & Oversight

The Manager of Product Development reports into this role. 

Physical Requirements (choose what applies for this role)

This role requires the following physical capabilities:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• Must be able to bend, stretch, kneel, twist, and squat to adjust or position equipment, cameras, or set up for events.
• Prolonged periods standing, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Must be able to travel frequently, sometimes requiring long periods of driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Must be able to focus on detailed work for extended periods, which may lead to eye strain or fatigue.
• Must be able to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, including typing and using a mouse.
• Must be able to carry and transport promotional or sales materials.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, often time-sensitive environment.

Why You’ll Love Us:

At Luxury Brand Partners, we are more than just a team – we are a vibrant community of creative thinkers and beauty enthusiasts dedicated to shaping the future of luxury in the beauty industry. As the parent company for renowned brands like IGK, R+Co, and ONE/SIZE Beauty, we pride ourselves on fostering innovation, authenticity, and excellence. Together, we collaborate to deliver exceptional products and experiences that empower our customers and elevate the standards of luxury beauty.

Here's what you can look forward to:

Health and Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance along with additional ancillary benefits
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Employer paid life insurance coverage with optional supplemental life insurance available
• Employer paid long-term and short-term disability
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work-Life Balance

• Starting with 10 vacation days, 4 fixed personal days and 5 sick days (unless state law requires otherwise, in which case we will comply with state law) 
• Twelve paid holidays
• Paid parental leave 

Financial Security

• Compensation commensurate with industry standards and your qualifications
• 401(k) with company match
• Monthly technology allowance 
• Eligible for annual discretionary bonus 

Employee Perks

• Quarterly sample boxes featuring our brands products
• Employee referral program with rewards

If you're ready to make an impact and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Luxury Brand Partners is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race (including characteristics associated with race, such as hairstyle), color, gender, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision-making, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, uniform service member status, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), or other status protected by federal, state or local law.

The salary range provided for this position is intended to be a general guideline. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as your qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

We do not accept unsolicited assistance from headhunters or recruitment firms. Any resumes or profiles submitted without a valid, signed agreement approved by Luxury Brand Partners, will become the property of our company, and no fee will be paid if the candidate is hired based on an unsolicited referral.

The role will generally accept applications for at least seven calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Luxury Brand Partners, LLC participates in E-Verify. What is E-Verify? (PDF). Also, see E-Verify Right to Work (PDF).