Overview:
Under the direction of the Senior Vice President in partnership with category heads, the Product Marketing Associate Director is responsible for leading innovation strategy and portfolio management to conduct the development of a strong NPD pipeline for haircare, styling, and professional hair color.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Drive ideation and execution of all new product innovation working cross-functionally with teams including Product Development, Packaging Development, Design, Copy, Legal, Regulatory, International Marketing, Trade Marketing and Sales
- Manage innovation calendar, presenting concepts and white space opportunities to category leads, SVP/CEO/Founders.
- Manage the brand portfolio, spotting potential white space, innovation opportunity, renovations, and discontinuations to ensure a complete and efficient product line up.
- Develop and refine brand and product messaging ensuring consistent communication across all categories.
- Analyze sales data, industry trends, consumer insights, product reviews and competitive research to identify actionable insights.
- Partner with forecasting partners to ensure strategic and accurate sales potential for upcoming launches.
- Lead the creation of product concepts, launch strategy and briefs.
- Oversee packaging copy, claims, education sheets and master decks to ensure cohesive communication across all internal product materials.
- Problem solves - continuously improving NPD processes and timelines with key cross functional partners.
- Elevate all cross-functional relationships (i.e. PD, Legal, Reg, Design, Merchandising, Digital, Retail, Sales, Education, International, Operations, Business Intelligence, etc.)
- Lead and develop direct reports; associate managers owning competitive, research, mechanical development, timeline management and overall support for individual categories.
Professional Competencies
- University degree in Marketing or a related field
- Beauty and CPG, professional marketing and product development experience preferred (8-10 years)
- Demonstrates clear passion for product and innovation within the beauty/cosmetics industry.
- Has excellent leadership and development skills, presentation, communication, and project management skills
- Exposure to international markets and consumers
- Experience with marketing research (i.e. research platforms – WGSN, NPD, etc.)
- Ideal candidate has a blend of strategic, analytical thinking while being a creative innovative, passionate thinker.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills
- Entrepreneurial spirit, detail oriented, organized, multitasker, and strong time management skills.