Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products – Cleveland, OH

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for innovation in the personal care products industry? We are seeking a Senior Product Development Manager to join a leading personal care company in Cleveland, OH. This is a unique opportunity to drive product innovation, oversee the development process, and bring cutting-edge personal care solutions to market. If you have a strong background in product development, project management, and cross-functional leadership, this role is for you.

Lead Product Innovation in the Personal Care Industry

A premier personal care products company in Cleveland, OH is looking for a Senior Product Development Manager to spearhead its product pipeline and innovation strategies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development within the personal care or consumer goods sector, along with strong project management skills and a keen eye for emerging beauty and skincare trends. If you are driven by creativity, strategic thinking, and delivering high-quality products, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products

🌿 Product Innovation & Development:

Lead the end-to-end product development process for personal care products — from concept ideation and formulation to testing, packaging, and launch.
Research emerging trends, ingredients, and technologies in the personal care space to create innovative and effective products.
Collaborate with R&D teams, packaging engineers, and design specialists to bring product concepts to life.

📊 Project Management:

Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring all key milestones are met for successful product launches.
Oversee budget management for product development projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Identify risks and resolve potential bottlenecks throughout the development process.

📈 Market & Consumer Insights:

Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify white spaces and growth opportunities in the personal care products category.
Integrate consumer feedback into product design and innovation strategies.
Work closely with marketing teams to ensure products align with brand positioning and resonate with target audiences.

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with cross-functional teams, including R&D, sales, supply chain, and marketing, to streamline product development efforts.
Ensure product claims are substantiated, and all formulations comply with regulatory requirements.
Lead product testing processes, including stability testing, consumer trials, and quality assurance checks.

📢 Brand Development & Strategy:

Support the development of product storytelling, packaging design, and brand messaging.
Ensure product strategies align with overall brand goals and enhance the company’s market presence.
Foster relationships with external partners, including ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products – Cleveland, OH, the client seeks an innovative and strategic leader with a strong background in product development, formulation, and project management within the personal care industry. You should be a results-driven professional who combines creativity, technical expertise, and market insight to drive product innovation and business growth.

Proven Experience in Personal Care Product Development

The client is looking for a seasoned product development specialist with hands-on experience in formulating and launching personal care products. You should have a strong understanding of skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations, along with expertise in ingredient functionality, regulatory compliance, and product lifecycle management. A history of successful product launches and the ability to bring concepts to market efficiently is highly valued.

Strategic Thinker with Innovation at the Core

As a Senior Product Development Manager, you must showcase the ability to identify market gaps and emerging trends, transforming insights into innovative product concepts. The client seeks someone who can balance creative ideation with data-driven decision-making, ensuring new product developments align with the company’s brand vision, consumer demands, and business objectives.

Project Management and Cross-Functional Leadership

Strong project management skills are essential. The ideal candidate will have experience leading cross-functional teams — including R&D, marketing, sourcing, and manufacturing — to ensure product timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. The client values someone who can streamline processes, troubleshoot challenges, and keep multiple projects on track without compromising innovation or quality.

Consumer-Centric Mindset

Understanding consumer behavior and preferences is critical to this role. The client seeks a leader who can translate customer insights into product strategies, ensuring that formulations not only meet technical requirements but also resonate with the target audience. Experience in conducting product testing, gathering user feedback, and optimizing formulations based on real-world data is highly desirable.

Strong Business and Financial Acumen

The client values a product development manager who understands the financial impact of product decisions. You should be skilled in cost analysis, budgeting, and supplier negotiations, ensuring that product innovations are both creative and commercially viable. The ability to balance innovation with profitability is key to driving sustainable growth.

Commitment to Quality and Regulatory Compliance

A deep understanding of industry regulations, including FDA guidelines, INCI requirements, and global compliance standards, is essential. The client seeks someone who prioritizes product safety, quality control, and risk management, ensuring all products meet legal and ethical standards.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

Finally, the client is looking for a collaborative leader who can inspire and guide teams. You should foster an environment of innovation, accountability, and open communication. The ability to mentor junior team members and build strong relationships with internal and external partners is a must.

FAQs About the Role – Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products

1. What are the main responsibilities of this role?

As a Senior Product Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the company’s personal care product line. Your responsibilities will include:

Leading Product Innovation Efforts: Overseeing the research and development of new personal care products, ensuring they meet consumer needs and align with market trends.
Managing Project Timelines and Budgets: Developing comprehensive project plans, tracking milestones, and ensuring that product development stays within budget and deadlines.
Conducting Market Research: Analyzing industry trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to guide product design and formulation.
Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams: Working closely with R&D, marketing, regulatory affairs, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to bring innovative products to market successfully.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Making sure that all products adhere to industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
Optimizing Formulations: Testing and refining product formulations to achieve optimal performance, safety, and consumer satisfaction.

2. What qualifications and experience are required?

To be considered for the Senior Product Development Manager role, candidates should meet the following criteria:

✅ Educational Background:

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is required.
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, especially for candidates aiming for leadership roles in R&D.

✅ Professional Experience:

A minimum of 5+ years of experience in product development within the personal care, cosmetics, or consumer goods industry.
Proven expertise in formulation development, ingredient sourcing, product testing, and regulatory compliance.
Experience working with third-party manufacturers, suppliers, and external research organizations is a plus.

✅ Technical and Industry Knowledge:

A strong understanding of raw materials, formulation chemistry, and manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of FDA, EU, and other regulatory requirements related to personal care products.
Proficiency in stability testing, sensory evaluation, and quality assurance procedures.

✅ Soft Skills & Competencies:

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to troubleshoot formulation and production challenges.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with cross-functional departments.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for success?

The company is looking for a strategic, consumer-focused leader who can blend creativity with operational efficiency. The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

🔹 Innovative Thinking – A passion for developing unique, trend-setting personal care products that resonate with consumers.

🔹 Project Management Expertise – The ability to oversee multiple product development projects from concept to commercialization while maintaining quality and efficiency.

🔹 Strong Collaboration & Influence – Exceptional leadership skills to inspire and align R&D teams, marketing professionals, and supply chain partners.

🔹 Results-Driven Mindset – A focus on delivering market-ready products that drive sales growth and strengthen brand positioning.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

The personal care industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. As a Senior Product Development Manager, you may encounter the following challenges:

🔸 Keeping Pace with Rapidly Changing Consumer Trends: The beauty and personal care industry is heavily influenced by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and wellness trends. Staying ahead requires continuous research and adaptation.

🔸 Balancing Creativity with Cost-Efficiency: While innovation is key, the company must also ensure that new product formulations are cost-effective and scalable for mass production. You will need to find the right balance between premium formulations and commercial feasibility.

🔸 Navigating Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Personal care products must meet stringent FDA, EU, and global regulatory guidelines. Ensuring compliance while maintaining product effectiveness is a critical aspect of the role.

5. What impact will this role have on the company’s growth?

The Senior Product Development Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s success by developing innovative personal care products that resonate with consumers and strengthen market positioning.

Your contributions will directly influence:

🌟 Innovation Pipeline Growth: Developing cutting-edge formulations that differentiate the company from competitors.

🌟 Revenue and Market Share Expansion: Bringing new, high-quality personal care products to market that drive sales growth and brand loyalty.

🌟 Sustainability and Clean Beauty Initiatives: Introducing eco-friendly and ethically sourced ingredients to align with clean beauty trends and regulatory requirements.

🌟 Brand Reputation and Customer Trust: Ensuring product safety, efficacy, and compliance, which enhances brand credibility and consumer confidence.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products in Cleveland, OH, you can expect a competitive compensation package that typically includes:

💼 Base Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

💡 Performance Bonuses: Incentives tied to product launch success and innovation milestones.

📈 Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

📚 Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education and attending industry conferences.

🏝️ Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

🚀 Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company match options.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and results-driven product development expert with experience in the Personal Care Products industry, we invite you to apply for the Senior Product Development Manager role in Cleveland, OH. This is a key leadership opportunity where you will spearhead the development of innovative personal care products, from concept to launch, while driving market differentiation and product excellence.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that highlights your expertise in product development, innovation strategies, and your successful track record in the personal care or consumer goods sector. Focus on your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage product lifecycle processes, and deliver market-leading products that resonate with consumers.

This role offers a dynamic environment where you can influence product strategy, collaborate with diverse teams, and play a crucial role in shaping the future of personal care products. Apply today to make your mark as a Senior Product Development Manager in Cleveland, OH!

For more details or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Personal Care Products Careers Page.

Job Category: Personal Care Products

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Cleveland

Senior Product Development Manager – Personal Care Products – Cleveland, OH