R&D Director, Prestige Care PD

Position Title: Director Product Development, Prestige Hair Care R&D

Location: Morris Plains, New Jersey

Reports to: Senior Vice President R&D Hair Care & Styling

Direct Reports: 3-5 

Scope / Brands: North America region; Global Nioxin, Global Sebastian, Regional Wella Care

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Wella Company is looking for an experienced Product Development Director to lead our Prestige Hair Care R&D team based in Morris Plains, NJ.

Your role as Director R&D will have two core responsibilities:

1. Own & drive the global product innovation pipeline strategy and delivery for the Nioxin and Sebastian brands. Provide base business support for existing portfolio.
2. Co-create, amplify, and support the North America Prestige Hair Care portfolio through the development of data-based insights, claims, and product positioning to support demand generation.

Specifically, responsibilities also include:

1. Lead the Research and Development (R&D) efforts for the Global Nioxin and Sebastian Prestige Care & Styling brands. Responsible for strategically developing and managing all aspects of category product / technical development for both new and existing products.

2. Partner with Marketing & Education to co-create product briefs based on an understanding of the consumer and Pro product needs in alignment with the brand strategy. Conduct product research, focus groups, and competitive analysis to inform product development decisions. Own and drive identification of technologies and deliver with technical readiness.
3. Lead Prestige Care R&D Team. Establish a culture of creativity, collaboration, and commitment to results. Coach and mentor team members to support their development. Effectively manage team budget and resourcing plans.

4. Improve and streamline work processes for hair care and styling product development that allow for speed to market while delivering technical rigor. 

5. Support North America commercial sales teams with customer sell in through development of strong science stories, compelling claims, and impactful demos of product performance. Maintain high technical accuracy and rigor.
6. Assess the North America Hair Care competitive landscape to define strategic innovation opportunities for Wella Co. Understand key unmet consumer and stylist desires.  Develop strong customer/channel understanding including identifying strategic opportunities for us to win.

7. Effectively collaborate with and influence others, including outside of functional area and external. This includes challenging the status quo based on data, knowledge, and experience to make project recommendations to move forward, change direction, delay, or cancel projects as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Essential:  

• At least 8+ years of R&D brand management experience with demonstrated success in leading end-to-end product development processes, from ideation to commercialization, preferably within the hair care or skin care categories in professional or prestige channels.
• Strong understanding of market trends, consumer and professionals’ preferences, and competitive landscape in the beauty / hair industry.
• Must have a strategic and creative mindset, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Proven track record for linking what’s needed (deep consumer insights) with what’s possible (technology, product, and package design).
• Must be a skilled multi-tasker, reliable and committed to consistently meeting deadlines.
• Effective communicator (written and oral) with excellent interpersonal skills & cultural sensitivity.
• Experience in coaching and developing a growing team working for you.
• Able to create and maintain a positive culture built on diversity, inclusion, and a strong sense of trust among individuals.
• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally (expected: ~10-30%)
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, life sciences, dermatology, beauty sciences or related disciplines.

We disclose the compensation range for positions in compliance with local law. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Wella Company's total rewards package for employees. Pay Range: $165K-$200K salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonus plan or variable pay, depending on the role. In addition, Wella Company provides a rich variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). 

EEO OPPORTUNITIES 

We offer equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Wella Company with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at: https://www.wellacompany.com/consumer-affairs 

We strongly believe that cultivating a diverse workplace gives a company strength. The combination of unique skills, abilities, experiences and backgrounds creates an environment that produces extraordinary results. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled. 

English - Please click on this link to review the Notification of Equal Opportunity Rights poster 

Español - Por favor, haga un clic en el enlace para revisar el poster de la Ley de los Derechos de Igualdad de Empleo