This position reports directly to the Senior Director of R&D/PD. The R&D team is a cohesive multi-functional team that drives product development through innovation and design. The R&D team consists of five teams, Product Development, Formulation, Packaging, Regulatory and Clinical teams and is responsible for all technical aspects of development from ideation to commercialization.
The Senior Manager of Product Development will lead end-to-end development of cosmetic products from concept through commercialization and managing clinical and consumer testing programs to substantiate product claims. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with R&D, regulatory, marketing, operations, and external testing partners to ensure timely and compliant delivery of high-performance, safe, and innovative products. The ideal candidate should be detail oriented, have excellent written and oral communication and work well in a fast-paced multi-projected environment. They should be creative and flexible and able to rely on experience and good judgment to help plan and accomplish goals. Strong working knowledge and passion for the beauty/skincare/wellness industry.
ResponsibilitiesFormulation: - Design comprehensive product tech packs by selecting active ingredient packages that maximize efficacy, support claims, and guide formulation strategy. Support formulation chemists with needed benchwork related to project launches or reformulations.
- Develop and deliver targeted benefits, claims, and ingredient strategies to ensure clinical performance and product differentiation.
- Manage prototype feedback cycle during development throughout formula approval.
- Maintain raw material vendor relationships and internal ingredient databases.
- Develop and maintain R&D blue sky formulation library from competitive benchmarking.
- Review and approval of formula BOMs for innovation and PIPO
Claims Development/Support: - Ownership of innovation copy process within R&D: Management and execution of all technical support aspects of copy/claims substantiation related to Murad brand/products globally, ensuring adherence to legal, safety, regulatory guidelines and Murad Standard Operating Procedures. Inclusive of all copy review and approval.
- Co-creation of Education Technical Support and Training Materials: based on technology, mode of action, and claims support and main positioning. Collaborate with PD team to create Training Presentation Slides/Video package to be used by Education and PR.
Clinical Research: - Design, oversee and manage clinical studies (in-house or in collaboration with CROs) to support product claims, dermatological testing, consumer perception, and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee study execution from protocol development through recruitment, data collection, monitoring, and final reporting.
- Collect and manage clinical data, including dermatological assessments, instrumental measurements, and consumer feedback to substantiate efficacy and tolerance claims.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Product Development, Marketing, Regulatory, and Legal teams to align study objectives and timelines with brand initiatives.
- Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in the dermatology and cosmetic science landscape.
Cross Functional Project Management: - Lead and set agendas for weekly cross functional meetings on innovation projects.
- Lead R&D PIPO/change management
- Semiannual trend presentations defining competitive landscapes and innovative concepts
Team Leadership & Development: - Mentor and manage Clinical Research Assistant Manager
- Provide technical and professional development support to team members
Attributes: - Ability to organize and prioritize.
- High attention to detail
- Technical expertise
- Excellent communication skills
- Results-oriented
- Leadership and collaboration
- Ability to coordinate and execute multiple tasks at once.
- Innovative mindset
- Ability to motivate others
- Ability to work autonomously
Job Requirements- Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development in the personal care industry
- Bachelor's Degree preferred (Chemistry, Biology, Sciences preferred but not required)
- Strong interest in skincare and personal care
Preferred Qualifications- Understanding of regulatory guidelines, GMP, claims substantiation, and cosmetic testing protocols
- Project management skills for the development process
- Consumer insights or trend analysis experience
- Experience in global product launch
What We Offer:- A target annual salary range of $115,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, plus annual bonus
- 401(K) with an Employer Match, plus a monthly home internet stipend
- Hybrid work environment - join our El Segundo office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off, plus 17 holidays off per year
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance options, FSA, HSA, and Life & Accident Insurance
- Wellness & Support Resources including Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Legal Shield & ID Shield, Travel Assistance, Estate Guidance, Gym and Meditation programs, and more
- Pet Insurance
- Professional Development Resources
- Access to Murad products at-cost & employee gifts, as well as the larger Unilever Prestige Discount Marketplace (including Hourglass, Living Proof, Dermalogica, K18, Paula's Choice, & Tatcha)
Don't meet every single requirement? We encourage you to apply! Studies show that women, non-binary applicants, and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. However, our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and talents drive Murad's innovative legacy.
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