London | Hybrid – 3 days per week in the office
We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with a multi-award-winning, founder-led skincare brand to appoint an exceptional Head of New Product Development.
What began as a founder’s vision to create intelligent, highly effective skincare has developed into a successful global brand with an international customer base and an outstanding reputation within the skincare industry.
With multiple awards, an established global presence and ambitious plans for its next stage of growth, this is a particularly exciting time to join.
We’re looking for a Head of New Product Development who can take ownership of the NPD function and help shape the future of this exceptional skincare brand.
You’ll lead the end-to-end product development strategy and pipeline, taking new skincare products from the earliest concept and formulation stages through testing, regulatory, packaging, manufacturing and successful commercial launch.
The opportunity
- Own and drive the skincare NPD strategy, roadmap and innovation pipeline
- Lead multiple new product developments from concept through to global launch
- Partner closely with the founder on product vision, innovation and formulation
- Drive the development of high-performance, science-led skincare formulations
- Work closely with laboratories, chemists, manufacturers, packaging suppliers and specialist partners
- Oversee formulation briefs, sampling, testing, claims, compliance and regulatory requirements
- Identify emerging ingredients, technologies, formats and opportunities within skincare
- Manage critical paths, budgets, margins, timelines and commercial considerations
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, brand, operations, supply chain and commercial teams
- Continually elevate NPD processes, quality, innovation and speed to market
Who are we looking for?
Quite simply, we need someone who is an expert in skincare NPD.
What you’ll need
This is a highly technical NPD leadership appointment, so we’re looking for someone with exceptional skincare expertise:
- A degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a closely related scientific discipline – bringing a strong technical foundation and genuine understanding of cosmetic formulation and product development.
- Extensive NPD experience specifically within skincare – you’ll have personally led the development of high-performance skincare products and have an impressive track record of taking products from concept and formulation through to successful commercial launch.
- Expert knowledge of skincare formulation and active ingredients – with the technical confidence to discuss formulation architecture, ingredient selection, efficacy, stability, compatibility and product performance with chemists, laboratories and the founder.
- Strong knowledge of testing, claims and cosmetic regulatory requirements – understanding the technical and regulatory pathway required to successfully develop and commercialise premium skincare products across multiple markets.
- Proven experience managing complex end-to-end NPD programmes – confidently managing laboratories, manufacturers, packaging partners, suppliers, timelines, costs and cross-functional stakeholders while maintaining exceptionally high standards.
Please get in touch for a confidential conversation.
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Head of New Product Development in London employer: KJ Talent & Partners
KJ Talent & Partners offers an exceptional work environment for the Premium Beauty Field Sales & Education Specialist, where employees are encouraged to thrive in a dynamic and supportive culture. With a focus on professional development, team collaboration, and a passion for luxury products, this role provides unique opportunities for growth within a prestigious global brand based in the vibrant London & South East region. Employees enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry.
