Global Product Innovation Manager - Body & Hair Care in London

For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Since 2023, Aesop has been part of the L'Oréal Groupe, the world’s number one beauty company. Founded in 1909 by Eugene Schueller, it is home to 37 global brands including Kiehl’s, Lancôme, SkinCeuticals, Nyx, YSL and L'Oréal Paris; and presents wide-ranging opportunities for long‑term career growth.

Role Purpose: As a senior member of the Product Innovation and DMI teams, the Senior Manager, Product Innovation plays a critical role in determining the Body Care & Hair Care Product Innovation strategy and developing Aesop’s product portfolio in line with the Category Strategic frame. Leading a Product Innovation Manager and partnering closely with Marketing, R&D and Operations teams, the role brings a passion for innovation, expertise in technical product concept development and an innate ability to think differently and translate market opportunities into Aesop-aligned product innovation.

Working closely with R&D, & domain teams, the Senior Manager Product Innovation brings extensive hands-on experience in product formula development and evaluation, and looks to actively and openly share their expertise, fostering a supportive team environment that encourages growth and development.

Leading with a customer centric mindset and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the Senior Manager, Product Innovation will partner with the Product Innovation Director, Marketing Director and teams to drive upstream innovation needs (white space) and generate new product development, reformulations and product re-animation needs. This role will work across multiple time zones and seek insights and sharing across all regions/zones (Europe, Asia, Americas and ANZ) and channels.

Role Responsibilities:

• Portfolio Strategy: Act as the technical expert for Body and Hair Care, leading regular reviews to improve, reformulate, or rationalise the product range for maximum market impact.
• Future Ideation: Lead cross‑functional brainstorming sessions and partner with R&D to identify next‑generation ingredients and build a 3‑year innovation pipeline.
• End‑to‑End Innovation: Define category strategies and develop comprehensive briefs for R&D, covering product benefits, sensorial features, and brand‑aligned claims.
• Strategic Reformulation: Turn forced or planned reformulations into opportunities to elevate product efficacy, texture, and sustainability profiles.
• Portfolio Re‑animation: Drive the re‑animation of existing heroes by identifying new storytelling angles and securing additional performance claims.
• Sustainability Leadership: Partner with specialised teams to achieve L'Oréal for the Future goals, focusing on naturality, biodegradability, and community impact.
• Commercial & Legal Oversight: Work closely with Finance and Legal teams to ensure every project is profitable, feasible, and globally compliant (including IFRA).
• Team Leadership: Build and inspire a high‑performing team of innovation experts while serving as a trusted advisor to L’Oréal Luxe Management.

This is a full‑time position operating with a hybrid working pattern. This is a 12 month fixed term contract.

What We Are Looking For:

• Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment.
• Extensive experience in creating successful, innovative products & formulations at a global level.
• Hands‑on product development experience, working with CMI/Insights, R&D laboratories and Operational teams from ideation to execution.
• International work experience (ideally across >two regions) for a global, multi‑channel, business.
• Strong project management experience within the consumer goods and/or beauty industry.
• Experience in collaborating with and co‑leading cross‑functional teams (across geographies).
• Proven People Management experience, coaching and developing direct reports (and cross‑functional colleagues) of varied level and experience.
• A deep understanding of market dynamics, customer preferences and product innovation/trend forecasts (global and regional).
• Proven ability to work at both a strategic and tactical level (flexing/adapting as and when required).
• Exceptional product concept development and briefing skills; and ability to coach and teach others the same.
• Formulation expertise; Advanced technical capability in the assessment and validation of Body Care &/or Hair Care and/or other cosmetic formulations.
• An in depth understanding of zone and market needs and nuances in relation to product preferences and practices.
• Strong understanding of product development capabilities across packaging, décor; and retro planning.

What’s On Offer:

• Flexible, hybrid working pattern.
• Generous product discount allowance and bi‑annual complimentary product allocation.
• Paid volunteering allowance for all employees.
• Bonus opportunity based on personal and business performance.
• Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in‑house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities.
• Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation.