Position Overview

The Chief Innovation Officer is a key role and member of the leadership team reporting into the CEO. This function oversees all R&D activities which are inclusive of Product Development, Formulation, Regulatory/Safety, Clinical/Claims testing and Package innovation. You will direct and prioritize all activities of product development and execution of 3-year innovation programs. You will provide critical interface between R&D, Brand Team, Education, Retail, Quality and Supply chain functions. You will also liaise with key counterparts at Unilever to establish and maintain the technology base for the Living Proof brand and ensure compliance to current safety and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for setting up, implementing, and executing new product development strategies by providing scientific leadership and technical oversight, leading the team to drive projects from initiation to product launch, and improving existing or developing new technologies based on brand needs by following appropriate new product development process. Provide direction regarding development of long-term technical capabilities required to meet the growth and profitability targets of the business.

• Co-create 3-year innovation calendar with Marketing team that is disruptive and ahead of market trends.

• Be vigilant in identifying new trends, emerging concerns, new science – and delivering excellent flawless execution in market.

• Prioritize collaboration across departments and build a strong, collaborative cross-functional team.

• Strategically lead Formulation and Product development teams to create products that are best in class in clinical efficacy and performance. Develop breakthrough claims with demos and visuals for new launches.

• Liaise with Unilever safety, claims and legal teams to ensure compliance with global regulatory and safety standards. Initiate reformulation programs as necessary.

• Lead Package modernization plus sustainability initiatives and work closely with operations and quality teams to ensure streamlined launches.

• Plan yearly department budget with the finance team and provide direction regarding research program targets, spending, risk mitigation, development milestones and review of results against project requirements.

• As a key member of Living Proof leadership team, you will provide valuable input to yearly targets, growth and expansion, promoting positive company culture and establishing new launch initiatives.

• Participate and contribute in Unilever R&D forums in sharing best practices, innovation and technology trends.

• Present department innovations at retail channel meetings, National and International sales team meetings, Education/PR events and at Unilever leadership meetings.

• Responsible for building, strengthening, and maintaining an external network with 3rd party manufacturers, suppliers, KOLs, academic universities and institutes for potential collaboration opportunities.

• Foster team productivity and cohesiveness; work collaboratively to execute, deliver, and get results in a matrix environment.

• Recruit, manage, motivate, and develop staff plus actively engage in diversity and talent development. Identify future human capability/resource needs (technical skills and knowledge gaps); hire appropriate personnel and develop (or access) core technologies and knowledge fundamental to success.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring key skills, characteristics and experiences:

• Advanced degree in the sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering or equivalent) and 15+ years related experience.

• Management style has strong emphasis on team collaboration and working well across interfaces and drawing teams together.

• Experience in leading cosmetic and/or haircare R&D and/or Product Development. Experience in prestige hair care brands is a big plus.

• Proven track record of successfully leading a R&D and/or Product Development group, with demonstrated examples of new product launches to the market by going through the whole product development cycle.

• It is required that the candidate be highly organized and capable of managing/pursuing multiple departments and projects.

• Outstanding motivational and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical problem-solving skills are required.

• Good written and verbal communication skills are required in addition to excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt effectively to rapidly changing organization issues, structures, and dynamics.