Director of Product Development

About Fable and Mane

Fable and Mane is a progressive and contemporary hair care brand inspired by time-honored Indian beauty rituals, utilizing potent and performance-driven ingredients in all its products. Founded by entrepreneurial siblings Akash and Nikita Mehta, the brand has rapidly grown to be a top seller at Sephora, revolutionizing the hair care segment.

At Fable and Mane, the workplace culture encourages disruption and innovation, constantly challenging norms to develop fresh ideas. Creativity and empathy are fundamental, uniting the team and community alike. The brand combines ancient traditions with modern techniques to inspire ongoing growth in an inclusive environment where personal stories are valued.

Role Overview

The Director of Product Development will spearhead Fable & Mane's global product innovation strategy, crafting a superior portfolio that reflects the brand's vision. Collaborating cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Commercial teams, this role manages the full product development lifecycle—from initial concept and formulation to packaging, launch, and lifecycle optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a detailed product roadmap, including new launches and enhancements to existing products, aimed at business expansion and reinforcing competitive advantage.
• Set and implement product and design visions that align with strategic goals, differentiating the brand to foster customer preference.
• Lead a disciplined Stage Gate process with defined decision points and senior leadership engagement to allocate resources effectively.
• Oversee new product development (NPD) and existing product development (EPD) within budget to introduce innovative offerings and capture emerging markets.
• Provide market insights on demand, technology, and competitors to shape product strategy and positioning.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales leadership to optimize product mix and marketing tactics to maximize impact and return on investment.
• Establish product pricing and positioning strategies that balance profitability with market share growth and brand enhancement.
• Transform consumer insights into compelling product attributes that enhance purchase intent and brand loyalty.
• Ensure timely, on-strategy product launches that achieve sales goals and reinforce brand presence.
• Track and evaluate product performance, identifying opportunities for improvements and strategic decisions.
• Implement product improvements based on feedback and data to elevate customer satisfaction, encourage repurchase, and extend product lifecycle.
• Manage the product portfolio lifecycle to optimize profitability and relevance.
• Advance sustainability by creating environmentally friendly product formulations, reducing plastic use in packaging, and promoting recyclability while preserving brand appeal.
• Ensure ethical sourcing and supplier compliance following environmental, social, and governance commitments.
• Maintain regulatory compliance regarding environmental, safety, and social responsibility standards.
• Handle end-to-end product lifecycle and packaging development to assure brand consistency, compliance, and shelf impact globally.
• Drive continuous improvements that increase quality, reduce costs, and accelerate time to market without sacrificing standards.
• Recommend operational and process enhancements with clear business cases to senior leadership.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across R&D, marketing, operations, and commercial to ensure integrated development and smooth launches.
• Provide leadership updates about product progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Support new brand initiatives by founders through product expertise and resource allocation to spur innovation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Holds a bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Product Development, or closely related discipline.
• Has over 10 years of experience in product development and innovation within the beauty industry.
• Proven track record managing the entire product lifecycle from concept through launch and packaging to lifecycle management.
• Comprehensive expertise in cosmetic formulation, packaging innovation, regulatory standards, and global product requirements.
• Strong skills in translating consumer insights, market dynamics, and product performance into successful product strategies.