Manager, Product Development
Kiss ProductsJob Description Summary: The Manager, Product Development/Management is responsible for leading product innovation, portfolio growth, and business performance within the Lash, Brow, and Lash/Brow Care categories. This role oversees the development and commercialization of new products, manages category and retailer strategies, and drives portfolio planning to support long-term business objectives. The Manager leads a team of Product Development professionals and is accountable for product lifecycle management, retailer planning, cost optimization, commercialization execution, and strategic business planning. Working closely with Marketing, Creative, Sales, Supply Chain, R&D, Packaging, Regulatory, Quality Assurance, Finance, and external manufacturing partners, this position develops and executes product strategies that support profitable growth and strengthen retailer partnerships. The role also owns category roadmaps, innovation pipelines, and 3-year business planning initiatives aligned with organizational objectives. Job Description: Product Development, Portfolio & Innovation Leadership Lead the development and commercialization of new products within the Lash, Brow, and Lash/Brow Care categories. Own category innovation roadmaps and product portfolios to support long-term growth objectives. Manage product lifecycle strategies, including new launches, portfolio optimization, product refreshes, line extensions, phase-outs, and discontinuations. Establish annual innovation priorities and align development resources to support business objectives. Oversee multiple development projects and ensure timely execution across the product pipeline. Business Planning & Cost Management Develop and manage annual business plans and 3-year category growth strategies. Create long-range innovation roadmaps, category expansion plans, and portfolio architecture strategies. Lead product profitability initiatives through pricing optimization, cost-reduction programs, sourcing improvements, and operational efficiencies. Monitor business performance, margins, forecasts, inventory risks, and operating costs. Partner with Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to improve profitability and support business targets. Identify opportunities to improve product cost structures through supplier negotiations, packaging improvements, product engineering, and process improvements. Retailer & Channel Business Management Own product planning and business management across multiple retailer accounts and distribution channels. Develop retailer-specific assortment strategies, innovation recommendations, and category growth plans. Lead retailer line reviews, product presentations, innovation discussions, and annual planning meetings. Partner with Sales leadership to identify growth opportunities and develop retailer-specific business strategies. Serve as the primary product-management representative for key retailer initiatives and strategic partnerships. Team Leadership & Talent Development Directly manage Product Assistants, Product Specialists, and Assistant Managers as assigned. Establish team goals, priorities, workload allocation, and performance expectations. Coach, mentor, and develop team members to strengthen product-development and business-management capabilities. Lead onboarding, training, career development, and succession-planning activities. Foster a collaborative culture focused on innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and business results. Commercialization, Marketing & Cross-Functional Leadership (10%) Lead commercialization planning in partnership with Marketing, Creative, Sales, Retail Engagement, and Supply Chain teams. Review and approve product positioning, claims, launch strategies, selling stories, and marketing support plans. Ensure alignment between product strategy, retailer objectives, marketing execution, and commercial goals. Present category strategies, innovation pipelines, business updates, and growth recommen…