Global Product Innovation Manager, Body Care | London | 12 month fixed term contract
For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.
Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.
We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Role purpose
Working closely with the Global Senior Manager Product Innovation, Body & Hair Care, the Product Innovation Manager plays a key role in influencing and bringing to life Aesop’s product portfolio in line with the Body Care Category Strategic frames.
Partnering closely with Marketing, R&D and Operations teams, and with an obsession for what is ‘inside the jar’, the Product Innovation Manager brings a balance of creativity (concept development; storytelling), technical knowledge, strong project management skills, commercial acumen and a passion for Body Care product development and evaluation to create efficacious, sensorial products that are undeniably ‘Aesop’.
This role will work across multiple time zones and seek insights and sharing's across all regions/zones (Europe, Asia, Americas and ANZ) and channels.
Role responsibilities include, but not limited to –
1. Manage and optimise the Body Care product portfolio across its lifecycle.
2. Identify market trends and contribute to new product ideation.
3. Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Operations on product development and reformulations.
4. Ensure product claims are accurate, compelling, and compliant.
5. Support sustainability initiatives through formula and packaging improvements.
6. Drive cross-functional alignment and ensure timely delivery of product assets.
This is a full time position operating with a hybrid working pattern. This is a 12 month fixed term contract.
What we are looking for
7. Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
8. Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment
9. Experience in creating successful, innovative products & formulations at a regional and/or global level.
10. ‘Hands on’ product development experience, actively working with CMI/Insights, R&D laboratories and Operational teams from ideation to execution
11. International work experience for a global, multi-channel, business
12. Strong project management experience within the consumer goods and/or beauty industry
13. Experience in collaborating with cross functional teams (across geographies)
14. A deep understanding of market dynamics, customer preferences and product innovation/ trend forecasts (global and regional)
15. Proven product concept development and briefing skills;
16. Formulation expertise; Sound technical capability in the assessment and validation of Body Care
17. A strong understanding of zone and market needs and nuances in relation to product preferences and practices.
18. An understanding of product development capabilities across packaging, décor; and reto planning.
19. Scrupulous attention to detail
20. Well honed communication skills
21. Strong time management and project management skills
22. Demonstrated proactive problem solving ability
23. Experience managing cost/budget, scope, schedule and risk
What’s on offer
We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include -
24. Flexible, hybrid working pattern
25. Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
26. Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
27. Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
28. Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
29. Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.
Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.
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