Role Overview
The Managing Director serves as the senior operational and executive leader of Manic Panic NYC, Inc. partnering directly with the founders to translate vision into company-wide strategy, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. This individual will oversee all functional areas of the business and serve as the primary day-to-day lead for the organization.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, agile executive who brings critical thinking and creative problem solving to every challenge, with a demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, develop actionable solutions, and drive decisions with speed and confidence. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, founder-led environment where priorities shift quickly, excels at managing multiple high-stakes initiatives simultaneously, and never loses sight of the details while keeping the broader vision in focus.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Direct the company's overall operations and serve as the primary strategic advisor to the founders and owners.
- Develop, communicate, and execute a comprehensive business strategy aligned with Manic Panic's brand mission and long-term growth objectives.
- Represent the company to key external stakeholders including retail partners, distributors, media, and industry organizations.
- Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams to diversify and expand the business.
- People Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage all department heads and their teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and values.
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that reflects the brand's creative and ethical standards.
- Oversee recruiting, workforce planning, and employee development initiatives in partnership with Chief of Staff/HR vendor.
- Ensure consistent adherence to all company policies, standard operating procedures, and internal governance frameworks across all departments.
- Financial Oversight & Performance Management
- Oversee all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to ensure long-term profitability and fiscal health in partnership with Controller.
- Monitor key performance indicators across business units and implement corrective action plans where needed.
- Drive cost efficiency initiatives without compromising product quality or brand integrity.
- Compliance, Risk & Governance
- Implement and maintain compliance, trade surveillance, and risk management frameworks to ensure the company operates within all applicable legal and ethical standards.
- Serve as the internal owner of corporate governance, ensuring that company rules, policies, and SOPs are consistently honored at all levels of the organization.
- Partner with outside legal counsel to manage regulatory requirements, contract negotiations, employment matters, and litigation risk.
- Oversee data privacy, intellectual property, and brand protection strategies.
- Brand, Sales & Commercial Strategy
- Guide the strategic direction of marketing, product development, and brand positioning in partnership with the creative team.
- Oversee sales strategy across all channels including retail, e-commerce, professional, and international distribution in partnership with Director of Sales and Marketing.
- Build and maintain key account relationships, ensuring exceptional partner and customer experience.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of progressive executive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a President, COO, Managing Director, or equivalent senior role.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing full P&L responsibility in a consumer products, beauty, or lifestyle brand environment.
- Proven track record of developing and executing growth strategies in a lean or founder-led organization.
- Deep understanding of compliance, corporate governance, and risk management in a mid-size company context.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels and external partners.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and a genuine alignment with Manic Panic's vegan, cruelty-free, and creative values.
- Familiarity with multi-channel retail and e-commerce operations including specialty, mass, and professional markets preferred.
- MBA or advanced degree in Business, Management, or a related field preferred.
Who You Are
- An executive leader who bridges big-picture strategy and hands-on operational execution.
- A meticulous, detail-oriented operator who never loses sight of the finer points even while managing multiple high-stakes priorities simultaneously.
- A hands-on, nimble executor who thrives in complexity, pivots without hesitation, and brings creative solutions to every obstacle without losing momentum.
- An executive energized by building organizational systems, leading diverse teams, and driving sustainable growth.
- A collaborative and decisive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Passionate about the Manic Panic brand, its history, and the vibrant culture it represents.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary range: $180,000 to $230,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Performance-based bonus eligibility
- Health, dental, vision
- Paid time off & holidays
- Brand product allowance
About Manic Panic
Manic Panic is the original, iconic creator of vivid and expressive hair color. For nearly five decades, we have defined alternative beauty culture through bold creativity, cruelty-free products, and a lifestyle rooted in self-expression. Today, Manic Panic is a global brand sold in 40+ countries and continues to expand its reach across retail, professional, and international markets.
Manic Panic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
This description of essential functions shall not be considered an exclusive listing of job duties required for this position. This list may change from time to time consistent with Manic Panic's needs. Manic Panic is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to an employee with a physical or mental disability so that they can perform the essential functions of their job as long as such accommodation does not create an undue hardship.
