Director of Product Development

Title: Director of Product Development
Department: Product Development
Manager: Senior Vice President of Research & Innovation
Location: London (Hybrid)

About K18:

Hair like new, no matter what you put it through. K18Peptide™ is the breakthrough molecule haircare was waiting for. Clinically proven to reverse damage in just 4 minutes. A BREAKTHROUGH IN BIOSCIENCE K18Peptide™ was patented after a decade of scanning and testing the 1,242 decapeptides that cover the entire keratin proteome. Our miracle molecule carries amino acids into the cortex of hair to reconnect keratin chains and reconform disulfide bonds to bring damaged strands back to their original, youthful state. Soft, smooth, strong, bouncy hair that feels like new. K18 heals damage caused by: 1. Bleach + Color 2. Chemical Services 3. Heat 4. Mechanical Styling Just one salon treatment restores hair up to - 91% original strength* - 94% original elasticity* * Results observed in a clinical study while using mist and mask as part of a bleaching treatment. Results may vary depending on hair type, quality and history.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Product Innovation is a strategic and operational leader responsible for driving the end‑to‑end creation, development, and commercialization of innovative products. This role oversees Product Development, Formulation/R&D, and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring that all new products meet brand objectives, scientific and technical standards, regulatory requirements, and commercial timelines. The Senior Director partners cross‑functionally with Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership to deliver a robust innovation pipeline that fuels company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Own the multi‑year innovation strategy and product roadmap in alignment with brand, business, and revenue goals.
• Lead and mentor teams across Formulation Science, Product Development, and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring strong collaboration and high performance.
• Translate consumer insights, scientific trends, and market opportunities into actionable product concepts.
• Build and manage the NPD budget, resource planning, and external partnerships (CMOs, labs, testing partners, ingredient suppliers).

Product Development & Innovation

• Oversee the full product lifecycle from ideation through launch, including concept development, feasibility, prototyping, testing, and scale‑up.
• Ensure all projects meet performance targets, cost of goods (COGs), timelines, and brand standards.
• Drive technical problem‑solving, risk assessment, and contingency planning throughout development.
• Champion scientific rigor and data‑driven decision‑making in evaluating new technologies, ingredients, and claims.

Formulation & R&D Oversight

• Guide formulation strategy across categories (e.g., haircare, skincare, body, OTC, or other relevant segments).
• Ensure formulation teams deliver stable, safe, high‑performing prototypes that meet regulatory and brand requirements.
• Oversee analytical testing, stability studies, compatibility testing, and scale‑up readiness.
• Maintain strong relationships with external labs and manufacturing partners to accelerate innovation.

Regulatory Affairs Leadership

• Oversee regulatory strategy for all new products, ensuring compliance with global regulations (e.g., FDA, EU, Health Canada, ASEAN, etc.).
• Ensure accurate and timely creation of documentation including INCI lists, SDS, claims substantiation, safety assessments, and product registrations.
• Partner with Legal and Quality to evaluate claims, labeling, and marketing materials.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively adjust development strategies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between R&D, Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless product launches.
• Partner with Marketing to translate concepts into technically feasible products with compelling claims.
• Work with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturability, cost targets, and supplier readiness.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure compliance with GMP and internal quality standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing, multidisciplinary NPD organization.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear KPIs, development plans, and performance metrics for all direct reports.

Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, Biology, or related field; PhD preferred.
• 15–20+ years of experience in product development, formulation, or R&D within beauty, personal care, or related consumer goods.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of global cosmetic and/or OTC regulatory frameworks.
• Proven track record of bringing innovative products from concept to market.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.
• Future-Fit Skills:Customer Experience, Creativity, Problem Solving
• Leadership Behaviours: Stay Three Steps Ahead, Care Deeply, Deliver with Excellence, Focus on What Count

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As an equal opportunities’ employer, Unilever Prestige Hub Brands/Tatcha/Murad//Living Proof/K18 is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

 

We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better business outcomes. We also believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of different backgrounds work together, ensures better outcomes for all staff. From application to interview, we place inclusion at the heart of all we do. In particular, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Unilever Prestige Hub Brands/Tatcha/Murad//Living Proof/K18.