Director of Product Development, Hair, PATTERN

PATTERN is looking for a passionate, organized, and detail-oriented Product Development Director, Hair to join their join their fun, hard-working, results-driven, creative, and collaborative Product Development team Reporting into the VP of Product Development the Product Development Director, Hair will be responsible for leading end-to-end innovation—from concept ideation and trend analysis to formulation, testing, and launch execution—while driving cross-functional collaboration, managing vendor partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing processes to deliver high-quality, consumer-first products that meet brand, cost, and timeline goals.
 
All candidates MUST be based in the Los Angeles area, as this role is hybrid and in office 3 days a week in West Hollywood, CA. 

Product Innovation & Development

• Identify benchmarks and ingredient proposals that elevate and expand product concepts.
• Collaborate with Product Marketing/Marketing to ideate new product concepts, align on assortment and category strategies, and contribute to the long-term NPD roadmap.
• Continually analyze the category, competitive landscape, and evolving consumer needs to identify innovation white space; regularly share insights with cross-functional teams.
• Champion consumer and clinical testing to validate product performance and efficacy.
• Recommend product line expansions or updates based on insights, supplier innovation, and strategic brand goals.
• Lead competitive and trend analysis, evaluating product aesthetics, claims, and positioning to inform new concepts.
• Attend trade shows and industry events to scout ingredients, technologies, and emerging consumer preferences.
• Ensure that the team utilizes project management tools to track updates, milestones, and product lifecycle stages.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Work closely with external quality and regulatory partners to ensure products comply with domestic and international regulations.
• Oversee regulatory documentation, safety substantiation, and retailer registration to support new product launches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy

• Partner closely with Marketing and Creative to deliver a cohesive, consumer-first product experience.
• Collaborate with the VP of Product Development to align on strategic objectives through identifying and prioritizing new development initiatives
• Revise or define new processes, and support rapid growth.
• Lead the cross-functional claims process to ensure all consumer and clinical testing aligns with project timelines and brand standards.
• Work collaboratively across functions to support and maintain a rolling 2-year launch calendar.

Vendor Management & Development Lifecycle

• Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships; lead proactive communication and coordination of innovation sessions and presentations.
• Visit vendor sites at critical stages of development to ensure alignment on quality, timeline, and innovation goals.
• Partner with suppliers through the entire development lifecycle—including formula creation, pricing negotiation, quote requests, and delivery per NPD timelines.
• Maintain and manage COGs to ensure margin targets are met throughout the development process.

Operational Excellence & Leadership

• Manage and mentor the product development team, supporting performance, training, and career growth.
• Optimize internal PD processes, SOPs, and aesthetic standards to ensure efficiency and consistency across launches.
• Monitor formula and packaging costs, making recommendations to ensure product profitability and feasibility.

 Required Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Executive presence and ability to influence leadership
• Crisis management
• Stakeholder management
• High-level decision-making
• Risk assessment and management
• Manage budget and allocate resources

 Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in product development, with a focus on Haircare & Personal Care products.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing product development teams.
• Strong understanding of the product development process, from ideation to launch.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and safety standards.

Salary Range: $140k to $155k annually.

PATTERN reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. PATTERN may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.

ABOUT PATTERN
 
PATTERN's mission is to fulfill the beauty needs of the curly, coily, and tight-textured community. Created by award-winning actress and producer Tracee Ellis Ross, PATTERN is a Black-owned haircare brand centered around the celebration of Black beauty and caters to the uniquely beautiful curls in the diverse hair community of 3b to 4c hair types. We are an active space for uplifting and loving our authentic beauty. Since launching in September 2019, PATTERN has taken the industry by storm and is the recipient of numerous editorial awards. We cultivate a community approach at PATTERN where all voices are heard & where people can bring  their whole selves to work. PATTERN Is now available at Ulta Beauty, Ulta Beauty at Target, Sephora, Macy's & Boots, among others.

ABOUT BEACH HOUSE GROUP

A disruptive force of innovation in the beauty and lifestyle space, we are a brand incubator delivering thoughtful products and bold strategies that intuit the needs of today's consumer. Our expertise spans from brand and product development to design, licensing, and procurement services. We are on a continuous search for white space in the marketplace to develop brands that specifically fill that gap.

Beach House Group reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. Beach House Group may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.

Beach House Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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