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Beauty Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proven experience (3-5 years) in product development within the beauty or cosmetics industry, with a focus on clean beauty products. * Impeccable attention to detail * Bring a proactive and detailed ...

Manager, Product Development, Fragrance

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $156K/yr

ABOUT MAESA #MaesaMagic The next gen beauty company, Maesa is transforming the industry by ... This role helps to build the strategy & development of new products from ideation to launch for the ...

Manager, Product Development, Fragrance

New York, NY · Hybrid

$125K - $156K/yr

ABOUT MAESA #MaesaMagic The next gen beauty company, Maesa is transforming the industry by ... This role helps to build the strategy & development of new products from ideation to launch for the ...

Our mission is to restore confidence by providing safe and effective solutions for improving health and beauty. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a Product Development Manager to join us on ...

Our mission is to restore confidence by providing safe and effective solutions for improving health and beauty. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a Product Development Manager to join us on ...

Our mission is to restore confidence by providing safe and effective solutions for improving health and beauty. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a Product Development Manager to join us on ...

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Beauty Product Development information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do beauty product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for beauty product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get into product development in beauty?

To enter beauty product development, candidates typically need a background in chemistry, cosmetics science, or a related field, along with experience in formulation, testing, and regulatory compliance. Gaining skills in product design, understanding consumer trends, and proficiency with industry tools like laboratory equipment or software can also be beneficial. Internships or entry-level roles in cosmetic companies can provide practical experience and industry insight.

Who are the big 7 of the beauty industry?

The 'Big 7' of the beauty industry typically refers to the seven largest multinational companies dominating the market: L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Shiseido, Coty, and Johnson & Johnson. These companies develop a wide range of beauty products and often employ professionals in product development, marketing, and research roles within the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in beauty product development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in beauty product development often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of fast-changing consumer trends, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing cross-functional collaboration between marketing, R&D, and manufacturing teams. Effectively addressing these challenges requires continuous market research, strong project management skills, and clear communication among departments. Building a flexible development process and fostering a culture of innovation can also help teams quickly adapt to new demands and regulatory changes.

What is the highest paid beauty job?

In the beauty product development field, senior roles such as Director of Product Development or Vice President of Product often have the highest salaries, especially in large companies. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of market trends and formulation processes.

What is the difference between Beauty Product Development vs Beauty Formulation Specialist?

AspectBeauty Product DevelopmentBeauty Formulation Specialist
CredentialsDegree in cosmetic science, chemistry, or related fieldDegree in cosmetic science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product testing, cross-functional teamsLaboratories, formulation testing, product optimization
Industry UsageOversees entire product development process from concept to launchFocuses on creating and refining product formulations

Beauty Product Development involves managing the entire process of creating new beauty products, including concept, design, and testing. Beauty Formulation Specialists primarily focus on developing and refining product formulas. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, Product Development has a broader scope, overseeing the full product lifecycle, whereas Formulation Specialists concentrate on the technical formulation aspect.

What does a beauty product developer do?

A beauty product developer designs and creates new skincare, makeup, and haircare products by researching ingredients, testing formulations, and ensuring safety and effectiveness. They often collaborate with marketing and manufacturing teams and use tools like formulation software to bring products from concept to market.

What is beauty product development?

Beauty product development is the process of creating and bringing to market new cosmetic, skincare, haircare, or fragrance products. It involves researching trends, formulating new products, testing for safety and efficacy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing packaging and branding. Professionals in this field work closely with scientists, marketing teams, and manufacturers to turn product ideas into successful launches. The process can take months or even years and requires a deep understanding of consumer needs and industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Beauty Product Development, and why are they important?

A strong background in cosmetic science, chemistry, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree, is essential for Beauty Product Development. Familiarity with formulation software, regulatory compliance systems, and industry certifications such as Cosmetic Chemist credentials are commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help professionals innovate and bring successful products to market. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product safety, regulatory adherence, and meeting consumer expectations in a highly competitive industry.
More about Beauty Product Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Beauty Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Beauty Product Development job openings:
What states have the most Beauty Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Beauty Product Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Beauty Product Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Director, Product Development, Beauty

Director, Product Development, Beauty

Gap Inc.

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end production execution across all beauty categories including fragrance, bath & body, body care, wellness, gifting, and seasonal programs.

  • Develop and manage strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, fillers, and packaging suppliers.

  • Ensure all products meet retailer, regulatory, and quality standards across applicable markets.


Gap rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 102 rated fashion retailers


Job description

About Gap Inc.

At Gap Inc., we create culture as much as we create clothes. Our ambition is to become a high-performing house of iconic American brands that shape culture.

Our portfolio—Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta—each brings a distinct point of view to how we show up in the world and serve our customers.

Old Navy democratizes style with quality and value for all. Gap champions originality through essential pieces that celebrate individuality. Banana Republic is rooted in a spirit of discovery, creating modern pieces inspired by craftsmanship and travel. Athleta champions the Power of She through confidence, strength, and movement.

We’re driven by a shared purpose: to bridge gaps—between people, perspectives, and possibilities—to create a better world.

We’re building a team that performs at a high level—people who think boldly, take ownership, and turn ideas into impact. If you’re ready to learn fast and help shape what’s next, you’ll fit right in.

About the role

The Production Director will own production strategy and execution across the Gap Inc. Beauty portfolio, managing manufacturing operations, vendor partnerships, commercialization timelines, and supply chain readiness from development through launch.This role sits at the center of Product Development, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Planning, Creative, Finance, and Legal to ensure products are delivered on time, within cost targets, and at the quality standards required to scale a best-in-class beauty business.This individual must combine strategic leadership with strong operational execution and deep beauty industry expertise across formulation manufacturing, packaging production, vendor management, compliance, and commercialization.

What you'll do

Production & Commercialization Leadership

  • Lead end-to-end production execution across all beauty categories including fragrance, bath & body, body care, wellness, gifting, and seasonal programs
  • Own commercialization timelines from formula lock through final production and retail delivery
  • Build scalable production processes and operational frameworks to support rapid category expansion and growth
  • Establish launch readiness governance and milestone tracking across all cross-functional stakeholders
  • Drive speed-to-market optimization while maintaining quality and margin standards

Vendor & Manufacturing Management

  • Develop and manage strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, fillers, and packaging suppliers
  • Lead vendor selection, capability assessments, and ongoing performance management
  • Negotiate production timelines, MOQs, lead times, and operational terms in partnership with Sourcing and Finance
  • Build contingency and risk mitigation strategies across the vendor network
  • Partner with suppliers to drive innovation, scalability, and cost optimization opportunities

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

  • Ensure all products meet retailer, regulatory, and quality standards across applicable markets
  • Partner with Regulatory and Legal teams to oversee testing, documentation, claims substantiation, and compliance readiness
  • Establish QA/QC protocols and escalation processes across the production lifecycle
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action plans for quality or supply disruptions
  • Ensure adherence to GMP and industry best practices

Packaging & Supply Chain Coordination

  • Partner closely with Packaging Development to align component readiness with production schedules
  • Oversee production planning and supply coordination to support launch calendars and replenishment needs
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and Planning teams to manage inventory risk, production allocation, and operational continuity
  • Support forecasting and capacity planning for future scale scenarios

Financial & Operational Management

  • Own production budget management and support margin optimization initiatives
  • Drive productivity improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies
  • Partner with Finance on COGS management, accruals, and production forecasting
  • Monitor operational KPIs including OTIF, lead times, fill rates, defect rates, and production costs

Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Build and lead a high-performing production organization as the business scales
  • Serve as a key operational partner across Product Development, Brand, Merchandising, Creative, Supply Chain, and Strategy
  • Foster a culture of accountability, agility, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Support executive updates and operational reporting for senior leadership and governance forums
Who you are
  • 10+ years of experience in beauty production, manufacturing, operations, or supply chain leadership
  • Strong expertise across beauty categories including fragrance, personal care, bath & body, skincare, or cosmetics
  • Experience scaling production operations within a high-growth beauty or consumer products environment
  • Proven track record managing complex vendor ecosystems and commercialization processes
  • Deep understanding of beauty manufacturing, packaging production, QA/QC, and regulatory requirements
  • Experience leading cross-functional operational initiatives and driving process optimization
  • Strong financial and operational acumen with experience managing budgets and margin considerations

Preferred Experience

  • Experience supporting private label and/or vertically integrated beauty businesses
  • Experience working within specialty retail, omnichannel, or high-volume consumer environments
  • Familiarity with global sourcing and international manufacturing networks
  • Experience supporting rapid launch cycles and seasonal innovation calendars

Salary Range: $160,800.00 - $209,100.00
Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.

Benefits at Gap Inc.
  • Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.
  • One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*
  • Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*
  • Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*
  • Employee stock purchase plan.*
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*
  • See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees

Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.


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