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Meritbeauty

Director of Product Development, Complexion New York, New York, United States

Meritbeauty, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Director of Product Development, Complexion New York, New York, United States

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on. MERIT is a minimalist beauty brand that makes impossible to mess up products for a multi-generational community. Designed by makeup consumers — not artists — MERIT was created as the antidote to the overwhelming world of beauty. We simplify what it takes to get ready by creating only well-edited essentials that help you do more with less. With minimalism at its core, MERIT remains intentional in the products it creates, spending years perfecting every detail to ensure it’s not just another product, but one that you can live with for years to come. 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, which includes OTCs. From ideation through formulation, testing, manufacturing, and launch, you will partner closely 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: 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 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 per year, in addition to bonus potential, stock options, a 401(k) match, health benefits, paid time off and more. 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. 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...

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