Director, Global Product Development (Contract - Maternity Leave Coverage)

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About the Opportunity

Our beauty client is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Global Product Development to join their team on a contract basis to provide maternity leave coverage. This individual will play a key leadership role in driving innovation and product development across skincare categories with a focus on clarity and age management.

This role will partner closely with cross-functional teams across Product Development, Marketing, Research & Innovation, Operations, and external vendors to deliver innovative, high-performing skincare products that align with brand strategy, consumer trends, and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a strong scientific and strategic leader with deep expertise in skincare formulation, claims development, clinical testing, and cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced beauty environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formula innovation and product development initiatives across skincare categories focused on clarity and age management
• Develop and execute both short- and long-term innovation strategies aligned with brand priorities and market opportunities
• Identify whitespace opportunities and emerging trends to drive competitive advantage and portfolio growth

• Serve as the key subject matter expert for skincare product development, including formulation, textures, claims substantiation, and regulatory considerations
• Guide the end-to-end product development lifecycle from concept through launch
• Partner with Research & Innovation teams to ensure formulas meet performance, safety, and quality expectations

• Define ingredient strategies that support innovation, efficacy, and sustainability goals
• Lead clinical testing strategies and oversee execution to ensure scientifically rigorous product claims and consumer-relevant results
• Ensure product testing appropriately represents diverse skin tones and consumer needs

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Packaging, Regulatory, and external manufacturing/vendor partners to drive project execution
• Manage timelines, priorities, and deliverables across multiple product development initiatives
• Support operational excellence and process improvement initiatives across the product development organization

• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, competitive landscape, and portfolio performance to inform innovation strategy
• Advocate for portfolio priorities and future pipeline opportunities based on business needs and market demand

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; scientific discipline preferred
• 8-10+ years of experience within beauty or skincare product development
• Strong expertise in skincare formulation, texture development, ingredient technologies, and claims substantiation
• Experience leading cross-functional product development initiatives from concept through commercialization
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong project management and organizational abilities
• Ability to thrive within a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
• Ability to travel to Clark, NJ as needed

• Experience within prestige beauty, skincare, or consumer products industries
• Knowledge of global regulatory requirements and product compliance standards
• Experience partnering with clinical testing and R&I teams
• Proven track record managing multiple product launches and innovation pipelines simultaneously

Ideal Candidate

• Strategic, innovative, and solutions-oriented leader
• Passionate about skincare innovation and consumer trends
• Strong collaborator with the ability to influence across functions and leadership levels
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and operational excellence
• Comfortable balancing scientific rigor with creative product innovation
• Adaptable and able to pivot quickly within evolving business priorities

Additional Details

• Contract opportunity providing maternity leave coverage
• Hybrid work environment with travel to Clark, NJ as needed
• Opportunity to support a globally recognized beauty organization and contribute to high-impact skincare innovation initiatives

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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