About dae:
At dae, we are a clean haircare brand that is rooted in scentsorial beauty and storytelling. Our name, dae, comes from the sun’s circadian rhythm, dawn, afternoon and evening. As the sun rises, shines and sets, the desert comes alive with dreamy aromas, textures and vibrant colors that inspire how our products look, smell and perform. We believe haircare should be as effortless, scentsorial and as beautiful as these daely moments.
Our team is small but mighty, made up of highly collaborative, creative individuals who value each other and work together to make our (big!) vision a reality. If you are a seasoned, highly strategic and solution-oriented operations professional with deep experience in the beauty industry and deep experience working with both Brick & Mortar Wholesale and eCommerce platforms… we would love to meet you!
The Opportunity:
We are looking for a Director of R&D and Product Development to act as the connective tissue across product innovation, brand strategy, and retail marketing execution. This role owns the full lifecycle of our product portfolio & pipeline development—from product research into innovative ingredients to formula development, all the way to scale up after approval, and in-market performance—ensuring every product is grounded in insight, brought to life through compelling storytelling, and executed seamlessly across channels.
As a critical leader within a growing organization, you will partner closely with 3rd party Contract manufacturers and labs, Product Development, Operations, Sales, Creative and Integrated Marketing teams (as well as key retailers) to translate ideas into high-impact launches that drive both brand heat and revenue.
What you’ll do:
Formula Development & Innovation
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Manage all new formulations for R&D/PD, rework formulations, and tech transfer formulations.
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Work on innovation ideas for formula texture and raw materials.
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Propose active and marketing ingredients for every new product to meet benefits and claims.
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Meet with raw material suppliers for actives and functional ingredients.
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Review manufacturing procedures for accuracy and ensure products are scalable and properly replicated.
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Forecast testing costs and timing. Approve testing invoices.
Product Briefs & Documentation
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Tailor new product briefs from marketing to make them R&D-friendly, calling out specific INCIs, trade names of raw materials, fragrance trade names and percentages.
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Evaluate product performance and track formula submissions and formula numbers.
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Check INCIs and percentages of all marketing and active ingredients when QQs or PILs are received for accuracy in all formula submissions.
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Do timeline risk assessment with PD Ops to ensure products launch on time.
Lab & Contract Manufacturer (CM) Coordination
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Manage communication with labs and CM partners for all R&D matters.
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Supply benchmark samples to the labs.
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Monitor and follow up on the status of new development products, reformulations, and tech transfers; partner on solutions for development issues.
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Collaborate with chemists to troubleshoot formulas.
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Follow up with labs for sample ETA, QQ or PIL, and pricing. Provide addresses and shipping speed once QQ or PIL and pricing are approved.
Regulatory & Compliance
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Partner with regulatory to evaluate PILs or QQs for Sephora Clean and regulatory compliance in US, CAN, EU/UK, and AU.
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Help regulatory retrieve documents for product registrations for UK/CAN/AUS and work with CMs to retrieve shelf life.
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Investigate any product complaints pertaining to formulation and provide resolutions.
Product Testing & Evaluation
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Conduct, initiate, and track product testing — PET or water activity, analytical, RIPT, compatibility, and stability — with third-party labs.
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When a formula is approved, prepare test submission forms and submit product samples for testing.
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Manage all clinical and consumer perception testing by working with marketing on consumer questions/claims and with labs to quote, complete tests, and deliver results.
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Evaluate and approve bulk samples for pilot and first three production batches of all product launches.
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Collect and track feedback from product evaluators; discuss results and user experience before redirecting.
Experience / Qualifications:
- 8+ years of professional R&D experience (preferably chemist)
- Wide array of raw material supplier contacts
- Strong Knowledge of raw materials
- Experience in Beauty industry and passion is a must and Hair industry is preferred
- Detailed, thorough + organized
- Regulatory Management / Experience is a BIG plus
- Comfortable driving deadlines and holding people accountable
- Creative problem-solving expertise
- Ability to multi-task & juggle many projects under fast-track timelines.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000 annual, based on experience
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, health care & dependent care flex spending accounts
- 401k with company match
- Pet Insurance
- Paid Family Leave
- Company wellness allowance
- Generous amount of Company Holidays & PTO
- Generous product allowance
dae provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Candidates invited to work for us will need to demonstrate their right and ability to work in the US.
