New Product Development Manager

About the position

Job Overview:
A leading cosmetics manufacturer is seeking a dynamic and results-driven NEW Product Development Manager to lead the end-to-end development of innovative, personal care, beauty products and fragrances that resonate with African consumers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product formulation, market trends, and project management, and will work cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, Production, and Quality Assurance teams.

Position reports to the Managing Director and Head of Marketing.

Product Innovation & Strategy:

• Identify new product opportunities and concepts based on consumer insights, competitor analysis, and market trends
• Develop product development roadmaps in line with company objectives and seasonal strategies
• Define and refine the segmentation and positioning of each product to ensure clear differentiation across price segments, target demographics, and usage occasions

Project Management:

• Manage the full product development lifecycle: concept, formulation, packaging, testing, regulatory compliance, and go-to-market
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification

Formulation & Testing:

• Collaborate with internal R&D to develop formulations tailored to the target market's skin and hair types using both natural and functional ingredients
• Ensure stability, safety, and performance testing are completed according to regulatory requirements

Packaging Development:

• Source and approve packaging that is cost-effective, functional, and aligned with brand identity
• Oversee compatibility testing between formulations and packaging materials

Regulatory & Compliance:

• Ensure all products comply with FDA Ghana and regional regulatory standards (GSA)

Costing & Profitability:

• Collaborate with finance, procurement and management to optimize cost of goods and ensure product profitability

Launch Support:

• Work with Marketing and Sales to prepare product launch materials and staff training documentation