Head of Product Development

Role Summary

Reporting directly to one of the Co-Founders, the Head of Product Development oversees the entire product lifecycle, from researching and drafting the initial brief through formulation, packaging design, clinical testing, and production; ensuring all initiatives meet ambitious timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Combining scientific rigor, creativity, and operational discipline, this role leads the Product Development team in delivering best-in-class personal care products while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

This position manages external relationships with formulators, contract manufacturers, packaging engineers, and other partners to drive results under demanding conditions, while collaborating closely with internal cross-functional teams to ensure flawless execution. The ideal candidate has deep experience in the development of over-the-counter (OTC) drug products– particularly sunscreen– in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. This is a hybrid role in Los Angeles, CA. 

Your Role

• Oversee the entire development process including initial research, brief writing, formulation development, packaging development, product testing, and production.
• Own product development roadmaps and execution plans, proactively identifying risks, managing dependencies, and ensuring milestones are achieved on time and within scope.
• Establish structure, accountability, and operational rigor across product development initiatives, guiding project management efforts while maintaining ownership of timelines, risks, and overall program success.
• Coach, develop, and empower the Product Development team, fostering a high-performance culture with the capabilities needed to support the company's continued growth.
• Serve as the central point of alignment between Product, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure development priorities and launch plans remain synchronized.
• Manage external relationships with contract manufacturers, formulators and packaging partners to initiate and track projects, negotiate pricing and drive weekly progress. 
• Evaluate formula submissions with the PD team, providing feedback and redirection as needed; ultimately securing internal formula approval.
• Partner with Product Marketing to develop compelling product storytelling,  including key ingredients, features, benefits, and claims.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure supply chain readiness and smooth production transitions.
• Partner with the Creative team to ensure all artwork assets are developed on schedule.
• Partner closely with Regulatory & Quality team members to maintain full brand compliance and to ensure quality and regulatory standards meet or exceed all requirements.
• Proactively identify and escalate issues or opportunities to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; scientific or technical degrees strongly preferred
• 8+ years of experience in product development within the personal care or beauty industry, with direct FDA OTC (sunscreen) experience required
• Proven expertise leading end-to-end product development with contract manufacturers, formulators, packaging engineers, and regulatory experts
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects, stakeholders, and aggressive timelines
• Strong track record of ownership, accountability, and results-driven leadership in high-growth environments
• Experience sourcing and developing custom packaging and managing supplier relationships, both domestic and international
• Highly responsive and proactive in communication with internal teams and external partners
• Detail-oriented, assertive, and comfortable balancing creative vision with operational discipline
• Extensive experience with product testing (analytical, sensory, clinical, and perceptual) 
• Experience working successfully in a remote or hybrid environment
• Excited to grow Vacation® into a household name and have fun in the process
• You use sunscreen

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision plans with up to 100% coverage for employees
• The annual compensation range for this role is $175,000 to $205,000, commensurate with experience
• 401k with Company Match
• WFH stipend and an annual learning stipend
• 15 Days PTO
• Complimentary Vacation® Products