Manager, Global Product Development

Description

Manages the product development process as follows:

Evaluates product submission (lab, pilot, first production and standards) in a timely manner. Communicates desired modifications or approvals to the lab via product submission form. 

•    Keeps an organized system for all product and packaging submissions and approvals. 
•    Responsible for distributing product submissions and orchestrating feedback from relevant members in PD and Marketing. 
•    Actively participates in research & conceptualization of new product ideas (visual and literal) and, ingredient and technology stories. 
•    Prepares R&D briefs and product fact sheets to capture all development needs including product texture and fragrance benchmark, usage, product. ingredients/technologies, positioning and claims with input from Executive Director and/or supervisor. 
•    Creates product profiles, testing and formula dossiers and turnover presentations under the supervision of Executive Director and/or supervisor.
•    Partners with the Executive Director and/or supervisor to present product at turnover to the cross functional teams.
•    Responsible for sending out product samples and questionnaires and summarizing feedback.
•    Helps drive and coordinate all testing (safety, clinical, sensory, in-vitro) with the help of Executive Director and/or supervisor.
•    Tracks all critical formula, copy, testing dates. 
•    Reviews, inputs and edits all PR and Education materials with input from the Executive Director and/or supervisor.
•    Coordinates orders of packaging samples for testing. 
•    Coordinates requests for product samples from Product Marketing, Creative, R&D, Education.
•    Conducts panel tests when needed, create questionnaires, analyzes data and makes recommendations based on learnings.
•    Maintains weekly status report and keeps Vice President and Executive Director and/or supervisor informed of project details. 
•    Works with the Executive Director and/or supervisor to put together presentations and conduct research on new ingredients, technologies and products etc.
•    Stays abreast of new trends in and out of the industry, competitive product launches/claims and new technologies.  Researches competitive marketplace for new products; reads industry publications, reviews social media, attends trend seminars or industry trade shows and reports on trends and related product developments.
•    Develops at least two new product concepts each year that fit with need-gaps in the line or new business opportunities.
•    Participates in product launch tracking & regional conference calls (when appropriate) with or in place of Executive Director and/or supervisor when necessary.
•    Is a team player with peers in Product Marketing, PR, Education, Retail Experience and Consumer Marketing teams. 
•    Travels to Estee Lauder R&D facility to work with the Lab and PD team monthly, or as needed.
•    Travels to Estee Lauder and supplier plants for on-site approval as needed.

Qualifications

•    Undergraduate College degree.
•    5+ years relevant experience; skincare background preferred.
•    Must possess a strong understanding of the Global beauty consumer and ideally good knowledge on the Chinese & APAC beauty customer
•    Excellent organization and follow-through skills with a keen eye for detail.
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills; good presentation skills.
•    Ability to think creatively and brainstorm new approaches, ingredients or ideas.
•    Multi-functional, flexible to handle ever changing priorities, projects and tasks.
•    Strong skills in tactile/aesthetic evaluation of cosmetic products as well as the ability to communicate product understanding.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Applications:  Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.