Head of Makeup Product Development

About The Role

We’re building one of the most exciting new makeup brands in the beauty industry, backed by a proven track record of success in skincare. With global expansion on the horizon, this is a unique opportunity to shape an entire category from the ground up and create products that redefine what makeup can be.

We are looking for a visionary Head of Makeup Product Development with the expertise, creativity, and drive to lead our makeup innovation journey. You will be responsible for taking ideas from concept through to launch, creating standout products that delight customers and set new benchmarks in performance and sustainability.

This is a senior leadership role that requires both creative flair and rigorous project management. You’ll work closely with our founder, labs, suppliers, and commercial teams to bring new makeup ranges to life – and you’ll have the autonomy and resources to make a lasting impact.

You will also manage and mentor a Makeup Development Executive (a trained makeup artist), ensuring products deliver not only on formulation but also on artistry, performance, and real-world application. As the brand grows, you will play a central role in building and leading a wider global product development team, shaping the future direction of the makeup category.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full product development cycle: from concept, formulation, and testing through to launch.
• Develop and execute the product pipeline, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.
• Manage and nurture relationships with formulators, suppliers, and manufacturers globally.
• Translate creative ideas and market trends into innovative, commercially successful products.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Operations to ensure products meet brand, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion innovation in textures, colours, packaging, and ingredients.
• Oversee compliance and safety testing, ensuring all products meet global regulatory standards.
• Provide inspirational leadership, including management of the Makeup Development Executive, and shape the future structure of a growing global product development team.
  
  
  

What We're Looking For

• We’re looking for someone who is both creative and commercially astute, with a proven track record of bringing high-quality makeup products to market. 5+ years’ experience in makeup product development.
• Strong project management skills, with relevant qualifications preferred.
• A background in business or product management is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of cosmetic formulations, trends, and the global beauty landscape.
• Experience managing the end-to-end process of launching makeup ranges.
• Experience leading or mentoring junior team members, with aspirations to grow into a larger team leadership role.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects at once.
• Exceptional communicator and collaborator.
• Passionate about makeup, innovation, and building something world-class.
  
  
  

What We Offer

• Employment Type: This role is offered full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Location: Tropic HQ is a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon.
• Hybrid Working: Enjoy a blend of office (4 days) and remote (1 day) working.
• Salary: Competitive
• Benefits: Generous annual leave, 24/7 well-being support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (available after a qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, well-being treats, on-site parking, and a cycle to work scheme.
• Start Date: Immediate
  
  
  

About Tropic

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic Skincare as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, and the incredible response made her realise she had started something quite special.

We still sell that iconic body scrub, and it sits alongside an extensive range of award-winning skincare and beauty products that have made us one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty businesses. Our brand is certified vegan, cruelty-free and CarbonNeutral, and our infinite purpose is to create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. And that’s where you come in!

We’re looking for creative and ambitious people who share our vision and get excited about beauty that’s both innovative and sustainable. If you’re passionate about skincare and have a genuine desire to empower communities across the globe, you could be a great fit.

Apply now if you’re ready to join a vibrant team who believes beauty knows no bounds!

Tropic's Commitment to Equal Opportunities

Our team is as diverse as it is talented because at Tropic, we go the extra mile to cultivate a culture of respect and belonging. We value every candidate, respect protected characteristics and never discriminate. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process, so if this is something you need, please let our recruitment team know at the earliest opportunity!

Ultimately, the most important thing for us is hiring the best person for the job, so we focus on skills, experience, and qualifications to ensure our process is fair and that our candidates always have a great experience with Tropic.