Director, Product Development, La Mer

PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE:

The Director of Global Product Development drives calendarized and non-calendarized initiatives within the La Mer brand.  Direct and manage all aspects of La Mer Product Development.  Daily management of new products with adherence to timelines and marketing guidelines, as well as maintenance of in-line products. Strong skincare background and knowledge needed.

BROADER RESPONSIBILITIES & SKILLS:

·       Support innovation efforts associated with driving established strategy for the Brand.

·       Provides direction for the development of quality products that meet the Brand strategy and ensure product launches are launched on time and with the highest quality. 

·       Directs and oversees R&D in the detailed development of new and reformulated products and travels to plants and suppliers to give on-site approvals, as needed.

·       Conceptualization, initiation, development, evaluation and follow through of assigned new product launches.

·       Competitively obsessed; maintains a high degree of competitor and trend knowledge, assesses implications, and recommends potential actions for La Mer.    

·       Evaluates all product submissions and provides detailed written redirect as needed. Establishes Standards from lab through production.

·       Evaluates reformulations and update production standards.

·       Attend trade shows, conferences, as needed.

Key Skills

·       Well organized and self-motivated; action- and results-oriented with demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

·       Conceptual thinker, able to translate diverse technical and trend inspiration into consumer-relevant storytelling and claims.

·       Passion and energy for new challenges, with strong demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and drive resolution of questions, concerns, and issues.

·       Highly flexible and responsive, with ability to effectively manage multiple, changing priorities.

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with diverse audiences (R&D, Marketing, Creative).    

·       Strong applied Creative and Strategic Thinking skills.

·       Outstanding organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.

 

FUNCTION-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

·       Drive assigned calendarized launches in all stages from concept to on-counter, reporting to Executive Direct

·       Drive creation of new product concepts that leverage relevant insights, analytics, and trends to create newness that fits strategic growth priorities.

·       Manage the evaluation of submissions on a timely basis and provide written direction to the Lab on next steps / re-directs / trouble-shoot issues.

·       Actively participate in brainstorming meetings for new concepts & products.

·       Create product fact sheets / profiles to capture all development needs including texture, product technologies, positioning and claims. 

·       Prepare product presentation/speech that captures the key elements of La Mer innovation – storytelling, sensorially, and performance.         

·       Drive planning and execution of all testing and claims support needs.  This includes sensory, clinical, and biological testing as well as documentation of key formula facts as required.

·       Create and present dynamic presentations as part of cross-functional Turnover and other meetings to explain concept, positioning, technology & claims of new launches.

·       Be a team player with Marketing, Packaging and R&D aiding in each step of the development process.

·       Monitor trends both inside the beauty industry, and outside the beauty industry; attend trade shows & trend presentations and report on findings. 

·       Travel to ELC and supplier plants for on-site approvals as needed.

·       Maintain weekly status report and keep team management informed of project details.

·       Work closely with the following departments:

Marketing

·       Actively participate in GPPD, Category Review, and regional Conference Calls.

·       Provide constant and detailed communication on changes / updates to a product (formula cost, timing etc.).

·       Participate in collaborative meetings (program kickoff, working meetings, etc.).

R&D

·       Initiate development with R&D; Prepare and issue Technical Profiles for assigned programs, outlining development requirements for concept/positioning, key claims, aesthetic & ingredient direction, packaging direction, and bulk cost guidance.

·       Direct bench work according to aligned direction. Gather submission feedback from PD team and communicate detailed, timely redirect in writing to R&D.

·       Communicate all recommended textural changes, ingredient / technology updates etc. on formula development on a timely basis.

·       Initiate product test with Sensory & Clinicals to create a comprehensive testing plan with detailed follow-through.  Analyze results and create claims opportunities for the brand.

·       Coordinate and track pre-launch sample requirements.

 

Packaging & Package Design

·       Working with Executive Director, ensure that package direction provides a high-quality usage experience.  Communicate key formula parameters and limitations that impact package direction (viscosity, light stability, etc.)

·       Trouble-shoot potential packaging issues & brainstorm resolution.

·       Request and coordinate any components needed for in house testing or sampling.

 

Creative Education, PR

·       Provide clear communication of product story, texture, ingredients, and claims to drive creative execution and external communication.  Partner as needed to address questions or needed information.

·       Review all Education / PR documents for accuracy of storytelling and claims.

 

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Undergraduate College degree.

·       Minimum 8 years relevant experience with strong skincare background.

·       Individual needs a balance of Creativity & Innovation with Excellence in Execution.

·       Creativity & Innovation: Highly creative individual who can bring strong, compelling innovation to the development process. 

·       Excellence in Execution: Excellent organization, communication, and follow-through skills with a keen eye for detail. 

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate new ideas with passion and confidence.

·       Strong skills in tactile/aesthetic evaluation of cosmetic products as well as the ability to communicate product understanding.

·       Highly flexible and adaptable to handle ever changing priorities.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

 

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $113,500 to $195,000. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results as well as participation in the share incentive plan.

In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

Job: Product Development - R&D
Primary Location: US-NY-New York
Job Type: Standard
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: 1st (Day) Shift
Job Number: 237953

We are an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact USApplicantAccommodations@Estee.com.

Salary : $113,500 - $195,000