Product Development Manager, Formulation

An innovative and fast\-growing company in the San Diego area is seeking a Product Development Manager to lead high\-impact product development initiatives across various beauty categories. This is a hands\-on technical role responsible for driving products from concept through commercialization, including formulation, testing, and manufacturing scale\-up. The role offers a unique opportunity to work on both established, shelf\-ready products and new product innovation for major retail channels. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in formulation development, contract manufacturing, and OTC products, along with a strong ability to lead cross\-functional execution and deliver high\-quality consumer products at scale. The Product Development Manager, Formulation team member reports to the Vice President of Product Development. **Key Responsibilities** **1\) Product Development \& Scale\-Up** * Drive formulation development to achieve targeted performance, sensory attributes, appearance, and claims * Coordinate validation, and commercialization readiness across product lines * Manage timelines, critical paths, and cost considerations for development and scale\-up * Drive lab, pilot, and full\-scale production in partnership with contract manufacturers * Ensure smooth transition into manufacturing with consistent quality and supply **2\) OTC, SPF \& Regulatory** * Serve as day\-to\-day driver for OTC and SPF product development, under the guidance of the VP of Product Development * Partner with Regulatory to support claims substantiation and ensure compliance with FDA and U.S. regulations * Align formulations, testing protocols, and documentation with on\-pack claims * Coordinate development testing, including stability, compatibility, and performance validation * Ensure formulations are compatible with packaging and meet regulatory expectations prior to launch **3\) Cross\-Functional Supplier Management** * Act as the primary day\-to\-day contact across a network of contract manufacturing partners * Coordinate formulation development, testing, scale\-up, and technology transfer * Collaborate with Packaging teams to ensure formula–package compatibility and aligned timelines * Partner closely with Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to drive execution * Maintain clear documentation and communicate development progress to stakeholders **4\) New Product Innovation** * Drive end\-to\-end development of new products for a range of retail channels * Translate customer briefs into scalable, compliant, and cost\-effective formulations * Support innovation across mass retail, drug, grocery, specialty, and club channels * Balance innovation initiatives alongside ongoing product development priorities **Qualifications** * Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field * 8\+ years of product development experience in beauty, personal care, and/or OTC categories * Demonstrated experience with OTC drug products and SPF formulations * Strong background working with contract manufacturers * Proven ability to manage complex development timelines, testing programs, and budgets * Preferred to have experience supporting major retail customers * Familiarity with shelf\-ready packaging and retail quality expectations * Strong cross\-functional collaboration with Packaging, Regulatory, and Quality teams * Ability to travel as needed to CM locations during production runs, located mostly in the Los Angeles area. **Work Schedule:** Hybrid Schedule \- Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM with variation based on business demands (Mon \& Fri remote, Tues \- Thurs in\-office) **Pay range: $115,000 to $125,000** **Benefits:** * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Vision insurance * Health insurance * Health savings account * Paid time off