Director of Product Development

Fable and Mane is an innovative, dynamic, and modern hair care brand inspired by ancient Indian beauty secrets, using performance‑led, potent ingredients in all its formulas. Created by two entrepreneurial siblings, Akash & Nikita Mehta, Fable & Mane has taken the beauty world by storm, revolutionising the hair care category to become one of the best‑selling brands in Sephora. What is it like to work at Fable and Mane? We disrupt as we do , constantly challenging norms to bring fresh ideas to life. We are free to play , fostering creativity and innovation in everything we do. Our empathy unites us , building strong connections within our team and with our community. Our heritage fuels our future , blending ancient wisdom with modern practices to inspire and drive our success. Together, we’re crafting an inclusive space where everyone’s story matters, and where we push each other to grow every day. ABOUT THE ROLE As the Product Development Director , you will lead Fable & Mane's global product innovation strategy, shaping a best‑in‑class portfolio that brings our brand vision to life. Working cross‑functionally with Marketing, Operations and Commercial, you will oversee the end‑to‑end product development process—from concept and formulation through to packaging, launch and lifecycle management. WHAT YOU’LL DELIVER This will include but not limited to: Deliver comprehensive product roadmap with new launches and existing product optimisations that drive business growth and strengthen competitive positioning. Define and execute product and design vision aligned with company strategy that differentiates the brand and creates customer preference. Lead disciplined Stage Gate Process with clear decision points and senior leadership alignment that ensures resources are invested in highest‑potential opportunities. Direct NPD and EPD activities within budget that deliver innovation, expand portfolio, and capture new market opportunities. Market Leadership & Competitive Positioning Provide market intelligence on demands, technology trends, and competitive landscape that informs product strategy and positioning decisions. Optimise product mix and marketing strategy through partnership with Global Marketing Manager and VP of Sales and Marketing that maximises market impact and ROI. Define pricing and competitive positioning for each product that maximises profitability while capturing market share and strengthening brand value. Translate consumer insights into compelling product features and benefits that drive purchase intent and customer loyalty. Product Launch & Performance Deliver successful product launches on time and on strategy that meet sales targets, capture market share, and strengthen brand presence. Track and analyse product performance metrics that assess success, identify enhancement opportunities, and inform strategic decisions. Implement product enhancements based on performance data and customer feedback that improve satisfaction, increase repurchase and extend product lifecycle. Strengthen portfolio performance through strategic product decisions and lifecycle management that optimise profitability and market relevance. Sustainability & Responsible Product Development Support B‑Corp and ESG commitments by developing sustainable product formulations that reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving product performance and customer satisfaction. Implement innovative packaging solutions that minimise plastic use, increase recyclability, and reduce carbon footprint while maintaining brand appeal. Ensure ethical sourcing across ingredient and material supply chains with verified supplier compliance that protects brand reputation and meets stakeholder expectations. Minimise product lifecycle environmental impact through design choices and process optimisation that support company sustainability commitments. Maintain regulatory compliance for all environmental, safety, and social responsibility standards that protects business operations and consumer safety. Lifecycle & Packaging Management Manage end‑to‑end product lifecycle for finished goods that optimises performance from launch through maturity to phase‑out while maximising profitability. Oversee packaging development and artwork that ensures brand consistency, regulatory compliance, and shelf appeal across all markets. Optimise product portfolio balance between new launches and existing product support that maximises return on development investment. Process Excellence & Cost Optimisation Drive continuous process improvements that enhance quality, reduce costs, and accelerate development timelines without compromising standards. Deliver cost savings and value stream enhancements through operational efficiency initiatives that improve profitability and competitive positioning. Improve operating procedures and protocols that ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and testing standards are consistently met across all products. Present enhancement recommendations to senior leadership with clear business cases and implementation plans that drive informed decision‑making. Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration Align R&D, marketing, operations, and commercial teams that deliver integrated product development and seamless launch execution across all functions. Provide regular senior leadership updates that ensure visibility on product progress, risks, and opportunities enabling proactive decision‑making. Support strategic new brand initiatives launched by founders through product expertise and development resources that accelerate innovation. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is an innovative and commercially minded product leader with a passion for beauty, sustainability and consumer trends. You will combine strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach, driving product excellence, fostering cross‑functional collaboration, and delivering meaningful innovation that fuels business growth while staying true to the Fable & Mane brand. You will also have: A bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Product Development or a related field. 10+ years of product development and innovation experience within the beauty industry. Proven experience leading end‑to‑end product development, from concept through launch, packaging and lifecycle management. Strong knowledge of cosmetic formulation, packaging development, regulatory compliance and global product requirements. Ability to translate consumer insights, market trends and performance data into winning product strategies. #J-18808-Ljbffr