MAC Product Development Manager

About MAC

MAC is a pioneering professional makeup authority, renowned for its artistry, inclusivity, and influential role in shaping contemporary beauty culture. Founded in Toronto in 1984 and now part of The Estée Lauder Companies, the brand empowers employees to champion self-expression, creativity, and diversity across retail, education, product innovation, and consumer experience. As an employer, MAC offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment where artistry meets commercial excellence, encouraging talent to develop deep product expertise, client relationships, and cultural awareness. Its heritage of supporting all ages, races, and genders continues to define a workplace built on bold ideas, collaboration, and authentic individuality.

Role & Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director and Vice President to develop high-quality face and skincare products aligned with brand strategy and Marketing Calendar timelines.
• Manage day-to-day product development, including formula evaluation, shade matching across diverse skin tones and undertones, and research into ingredients, technologies, and trends to identify innovation opportunities.
• Develop options for the three-year innovation calendar by analyzing competitive products and meeting with vendors to evaluate innovations.
• Manage the product development lifecycle from concept through execution, partnering with Marketing on communications that convey the concept, benefits, point of difference, and MAC positioning.
• Manage formula approvals between external vendors and R&D, ensuring formula and shade requirements are understood and respected.
• Analyze past performance and market trends to develop shade lineups for Executive Director consideration, and issue approved lineups following Vice President approval.
• Present concepts and innovations in cross-functional and leadership meetings.
• Review and redirect submissions independently until desired attributes and performance are achieved, from lab standard through first production.
• Develop targeted face and skincare launches with the Executive Director that address trends and support broader objectives and insights.
• Propose market white-space and anniversary opportunities to the Executive Director.
• Manage the claims process from Product Profile origination through cross-functional alignment and legal approval of claims and language.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Research and Development, Brand Value Chain, Packaging, and Creative to ensure smooth product introduction and market execution.
• Coordinate with Brand Value Chain to meet key timetable dates.
• Attend domestic and international on-site shade and formula development and production approvals.
• Review copy with Marketing for artist and consumer touchpoints, ensuring consistency and a clear hierarchy of benefit communication.
• Distribute product samples to Marketing and other counterparts once lab standards are established.
• Purchase, evaluate, and track new competitive face and skincare products, where applicable.
• Track key trends and the competitive environment, and participate in brainstorming meetings for new product concepts.
• Attend industry conferences and lectures to stay informed about product and packaging directions and trends, and present findings to the broader team.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate college degree required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong tactile and aesthetic evaluation skills for cosmetic products, with the ability to communicate product understanding.
• Creative thinking and brainstorming skills to develop ideas that keep pace with the market.
• Excellent organization, communication, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• Flexible and able to handle changing priorities.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation-based communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally.
• Knowledge of social media and social networking activities and trends.
• At least 5 years of product development experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure corporate environment with little supervision.
• Mature professional demeanor, particularly when interacting with senior management, and the ability to handle highly confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional discretion and judgment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced global business environment, perform under pressure, and prioritize.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills.
• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows, and Outlook.
• Excellent time management and follow-through, with attention to detail.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years of product development experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure corporate environment with little supervision.

Education

Undergraduate college degree required.

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 87,550 to USD 143,800 per annum.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays, vacation time, and other benefits. The position is eligible for a competitive bonus program, with the possibility of overachievement based on performance and company results.

Culture

MAC fosters a dynamic, artist-led workplace where creativity, individuality, and inclusive self-expression are central to the employee experience. The brand offers a fast-paced, collaborative environment in which beauty professionals are encouraged to build their artistry, connect authentically with diverse clients, and represent a bold global point of view.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.