MERIT
Overview
MERIT is a minimalist beauty brand that makes products easy to use, designed by makeup consumers. We simplify what it takes to get ready by creating well-edited essentials that help you do more with less. The Director of Product Development, Complexion will lead strategic development and innovation across the complexion category, overseeing new program launches and the ongoing management of existing complexion products, including OTCs. From ideation through formulation, testing, manufacturing, and launch, you will partner with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver high-performance, inclusive, and innovative complexion products that align with brand vision and market demand. You will ensure products meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and compliance, while driving efficiency, speed to market, and technical excellence.
Responsibilities New Product Development – Complexion Focus
Own the end-to-end product development lifecycle for complexion products (e.g., foundations, concealers, powders, tinted bases), from concept through launch
Translate product marketing concepts into strategic product briefs that drive innovation and differentiation in the market
Partner with internal teams (Marketing, Packaging, Ops) and external partners (labs, contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers) to manage timelines, deliverables, and execution
Develop and execute technical strategies including shade range development, formula customization, proprietary ingredient stories, and sensory optimization
Lead all testing for complexion launches, including stability, compatibility, performance, and consumer/clinical validation
Stay current on trends in skin tones, finishes, hybrid skincare-makeup formulas, and complexion technologies to ensure category leadership and relevance
Identify and evaluate new vendor technologies for potential launches and lead internal shareouts to senior management
Vet and establish relationships with contract manufacturers and formulators specializing in complexion technologies and inclusive shade development
Evaluate and refine existing complexion products to ensure ongoing relevance, compliance, and innovation
Lead cost optimization, shade extension, and regional adaptation projects to support brand growth and international expansion
Troubleshoot formulation or manufacturing issues in partnership with technical and operations teams
Serve as the complexion category expert, guiding internal teams on formulation science, ingredient trends, and product positioning
Lead vendor communications, negotiate development timelines, and manage external innovation pipelines
Partner with Regulatory to ensure formulas meet all global compliance standards
Educate and mentor internal teams on the complexion development process, timelines, and technical nuances
Qualifications
8+ years of product development experience in the beauty industry, with a strong focus on complexion and face makeup
Proven track record developing inclusive shade ranges and performance-based formulas in the complexion space
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field required; advanced degree a plus
Hands-on formulation knowledge with the ability to evaluate, revise, and optimize formula compositions
Experience leading full-cycle product development from ideation through commercialization
Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
Deep understanding of pigment dispersion, texture modification, and formulation challenges specific to complexion
Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
A strong pulse on color cosmetics trends, market shifts, and consumer needs, particularly in the complexion space
Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally
Benefits MERIT is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package in addition to compensation. The annual salary range for this role is $150,000- $170,000.00 per year, in addition to bonus potential, stock options, a 401(k) match, health benefits, paid time off and more.
You may review our California Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Create a Job Alert
Interested in building your career at MERIT? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.
Apply for this job indicates a required field
First Name *
Last Name *
Preferred First Name
Email *
Phone
Resume/CV
Enter manually
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
Enter manually
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
LinkedIn Profile
Website
Voluntary Self-Identification For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.
As set forth in MERIT’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:
A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Select...
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .
How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury
Disability Status Select...
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities New Product Development – Complexion Focus
Own the end-to-end product development lifecycle for complexion products (e.g., foundations, concealers, powders, tinted bases), from concept through launch
Translate product marketing concepts into strategic product briefs that drive innovation and differentiation in the market
Partner with internal teams (Marketing, Packaging, Ops) and external partners (labs, contract manufacturers, raw material suppliers) to manage timelines, deliverables, and execution
Develop and execute technical strategies including shade range development, formula customization, proprietary ingredient stories, and sensory optimization
Lead all testing for complexion launches, including stability, compatibility, performance, and consumer/clinical validation
Stay current on trends in skin tones, finishes, hybrid skincare-makeup formulas, and complexion technologies to ensure category leadership and relevance
Identify and evaluate new vendor technologies for potential launches and lead internal shareouts to senior management
Vet and establish relationships with contract manufacturers and formulators specializing in complexion technologies and inclusive shade development
Evaluate and refine existing complexion products to ensure ongoing relevance, compliance, and innovation
Lead cost optimization, shade extension, and regional adaptation projects to support brand growth and international expansion
Troubleshoot formulation or manufacturing issues in partnership with technical and operations teams
Serve as the complexion category expert, guiding internal teams on formulation science, ingredient trends, and product positioning
Lead vendor communications, negotiate development timelines, and manage external innovation pipelines
Partner with Regulatory to ensure formulas meet all global compliance standards
Educate and mentor internal teams on the complexion development process, timelines, and technical nuances
Qualifications
8+ years of product development experience in the beauty industry, with a strong focus on complexion and face makeup
Proven track record developing inclusive shade ranges and performance-based formulas in the complexion space
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field required; advanced degree a plus
Hands-on formulation knowledge with the ability to evaluate, revise, and optimize formula compositions
Experience leading full-cycle product development from ideation through commercialization
Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
Deep understanding of pigment dispersion, texture modification, and formulation challenges specific to complexion
Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
A strong pulse on color cosmetics trends, market shifts, and consumer needs, particularly in the complexion space
Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally
Benefits MERIT is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package in addition to compensation. The annual salary range for this role is $150,000- $170,000.00 per year, in addition to bonus potential, stock options, a 401(k) match, health benefits, paid time off and more.
You may review our California Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Create a Job Alert
Interested in building your career at MERIT? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.
Apply for this job indicates a required field
First Name *
Last Name *
Preferred First Name
Email *
Phone
Resume/CV
Enter manually
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
Enter manually
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
LinkedIn Profile
Website
Voluntary Self-Identification For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.
As set forth in MERIT’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:
A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.
An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.
Select...
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026
Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.
Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp .
How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, but are not limited to:
Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury
Disability Status Select...
PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.
#J-18808-Ljbffr