Project Director - New Product Launches

The Director of Project Management will play a pivotal role in overseeing and driving the execution of key projects within the brand. This leader will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring that product launches, marketing campaigns, and other strategic initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

Client Details

My client is a fast growing company within the cosmetic and personal care industry. They are well known in their space and growing very quickly.

Description

The responsibilities of the New Product Launch Project Director for a cosmetic brand are

1. Project Leadership & Strategy:

   • Lead the end-to-end execution of major projects, including new product launches, marketing campaigns, and business expansion initiatives.
   • Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy.
   • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans that track all project milestones and dependencies.
   • Establish clear roles and responsibilities across teams to ensure accountability and successful project execution.

2. Stage-Gate Process Management:

   • Oversee the Stage-Gate process for new product development, ensuring that all projects pass through well-defined phases with appropriate gate reviews at each stage.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that each gate (i.e., concept, design, development, testing, and commercialization) is met on time and according to established criteria.
   • Manage the evaluation of each stage to assess project feasibility, cost implications, quality assurance, and market readiness.
   • Ensure that each phase is adequately resourced and that stakeholders are aligned before moving to the next gate, maintaining clear communication of milestones, risks, and project health.

3. Cross-Functional Team Management:

   • Collaborate with key departments (Marketing, Product Development, Operations, Creative, Sales) to drive project progress and mitigate roadblocks.
   • Facilitate regular team meetings to communicate project status, share feedback, and adjust timelines or priorities as necessary.
   • Provide leadership and guidance to project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

4. Budget & Resource Management:

   • Oversee project budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and that all projects are delivered within budget.
   • Monitor and report on project spend, and proactively address any financial issues or discrepancies.
   • Manage external vendors and partners, negotiating contracts and ensuring they meet agreed-upon service levels and timelines.

5. Risk Management & Problem-Solving:

   • Identify and address potential project risks early, devising contingency plans as needed to ensure continued progress.
   • Resolve project-related issues by analyzing root causes and developing practical solutions to keep projects on track.

6. Quality Control & Reporting:

   • Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and are aligned with brand guidelines, including product formulations, packaging, and marketing assets.
   • Develop and present regular project status reports to senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
   • Implement post-project reviews to assess outcomes, document lessons learned, and recommend improvements for future initiatives.

7. Process Improvement & Standardization:

   • Identify opportunities for improving project management processes, creating efficiencies, and optimizing workflow across departments.
   • Establish and maintain standardized project management methodologies, tools, and templates to ensure consistent execution of projects.

Profile

A successful Project Director candidate for the cosmetic brand must have

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Project Management, or related field. PMP or similar certification preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of project management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience in the cosmetics, beauty, or consumer goods industries is highly preferred.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Proven expertise in managing complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion, with particular experience in the Stage-Gate process.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with a keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality and customer focus.
  • Strong financial acumen, with experience managing project budgets and resources.
  • Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Smartsheet).
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and adapt to changing priorities.

Job Offer

The Project Director - Cosmetic Brand - Los Angeles, California based candidate will be offered

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses up to 180k depending on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Must be able to go onsite 4 days a week to office in Los Angeles.
• Employee discounts on products.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Creative, inclusive, and dynamic team culture.

Michael Page will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Connect and message me on Linkedin- Brinn Borowsky if you are interested in this position!

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