Director of Product Development

Role overview

This position leads product innovation and development for K18 within the Unilever Prestige UK Hub. The role is responsible for guiding products from early concept through launch, while making sure the work aligns with brand direction, commercial goals, scientific standards, and regulatory obligations. It also involves partnering closely with teams across marketing, operations, quality, supply chain, and senior leadership to keep the innovation pipeline strong.

The role sits within the Product Development department and reports to the Senior Vice President of Research & Innovation. The listed location is London, with a hybrid working setup.

About the brand

K18 is built around a patented peptide-based haircare breakthrough that is designed to help reverse damage in as little as 4 minutes. The technology was developed after a long scientific screening process across 1,242 decapeptides covering the keratin proteome. The product is positioned to help repair damage caused by bleach and color, chemical treatments, heat styling, and mechanical styling, with clinical study results showing restoration of up to 91% of original strength and 94% of original elasticity when the mist and mask are used during a bleaching treatment. Results may vary depending on hair type, quality, and history.

What you will do

• Set and own the multi-year innovation strategy and product roadmap, ensuring it supports brand direction, business priorities, and revenue targets.
• Lead, coach, and coordinate teams across formulation science, product development, and regulatory affairs to deliver strong results together.
• Turn consumer insights, scientific developments, and market opportunities into practical product concepts.
• Plan and manage the NPD budget, staffing needs, and outside partnerships such as CMOs, testing labs, ingredient suppliers, and research partners.
• Guide the full product journey from idea generation through launch, including concept work, feasibility checks, prototyping, testing, and scale-up.
• Make sure projects stay on track for performance, cost targets, timelines, and brand expectations.
• Lead technical troubleshooting, risk reviews, and backup planning during product development.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making when assessing new ingredients, technologies, and claims.
• Direct formulation strategy across relevant product areas such as haircare, skincare, body care, OTC, or similar segments.
• Ensure prototypes are stable, safe, high performing, and aligned with brand and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee analytical work, stability testing, compatibility testing, and readiness for scale-up.
• Maintain effective relationships with external labs and manufacturing partners to support faster innovation.
• Own the regulatory approach for new products and ensure compliance with applicable global requirements, including FDA, EU, Health Canada, ASEAN, and other relevant frameworks.
• Make sure documentation such as INCI lists, SDS, claim support materials, safety assessments, and product registrations is accurate and completed on time.
• Work with legal and quality teams to review claims, labels, and marketing materials.
• Track regulatory updates and adjust development plans proactively.
• Act as the main point of coordination between R&D, marketing, operations, and supply chain to support smooth launches.
• Partner with marketing to shape ideas into technically feasible products with compelling claims.
• Collaborate with operations and supply chain to support manufacturability, target costs, and supplier readiness.
• Work with quality teams to uphold GMP and internal quality expectations.
• Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing, cross-functional NPD team.
• Create a culture centered on innovation, ownership, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Set KPIs, development plans, and performance measures for direct reports.

Qualifications and experience

• A master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, Biology, or a closely related discipline is required; a PhD is preferred.
• 15 to 20+ years of experience in product development, formulation, or R&D in beauty, personal care, or a related consumer products environment.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of global cosmetic and/or OTC regulatory requirements.
• A proven record of taking innovative products from early concept to market launch.
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership abilities.
• Comfort working in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.

Additional information

The employer states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

The company also emphasizes diversity and inclusion as core values, stating that diverse teams contribute to stronger business results and a better workplace. Candidates from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Future-fit skills and leadership expectations

The role highlights future-fit skills in customer experience, creativity, and problem solving. Leadership behaviours called out for this position include staying three steps ahead, caring deeply, delivering with excellence, and focusing on what counts.

Manager and reporting line

This role reports to the Senior Vice President of Research & Innovation.