Director of Product & Innovation

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

Sand. Sea. Sun.

Does this sound dreamy? Well, this could be your reality!

At Bondi Sands, we don’t just bottle the Aussie summer, we create it.

We are on the lookout for a visionary Director of Product & Innovation to shape the future of our global portfolio. Driving an innovation pipeline ahead of trends and before they hit the mainstream, you’ll create products that set the standard on bathroom shelves (and in beach bags) worldwide.

If you bring market leading commercial acumen, creative curiosity, and a growth mindset, this could be your next glow up!

About the role

As the Director of Product & Innovation, you will set the vision for the Product & Innovation Strategy across Bondi Sands globally, as we continue to grow our presence worldwide in the skin category.

You will lead the end-to-end product development and innovation process, overseeing the creation of market leading products from inception and innovation through to implementation, while managing the long-term pipeline in line with the global market, consumer needs, sustainability, quality, compliance and regulatory requirements.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Product & Innovation Strategy: lead the strategic Product & Innovation roadmap across the Bondi Sands portfolio, driving the innovation plan and translating trends, insights and market opportunities into actionable initiatives.
• Stage Gate & NPD Process: oversee the Stage Gate process by collaborating with other key stakeholders, driving transparency and efficiencies within the NPD/EPD process, prioritising key projects that elevate the brand.
• Innovation Pipeline & Future Thinking: Champion the innovation pipeline, monitor global trends and identify opportunities to create consumer-led market leading products.
• Team Development & Culture: Inspire, coach and develop our Product Innovation Project teams, fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and an innovative environment
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management: build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and delivery of innovation objectives across all markets.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, company policies and ethical standards while promoting continuous improvement in processes, supplier engagements and NPD efficiency.

Our Ideal Candidate

Success in the role will come from demonstrated experience, creative problem solving and the ability to build and maintain strong cross functional relationships across the global business.

You will have confidence to lead conversations, and influence decision making, assisting teams to execute strategic innovation & product roadmap with excellence.

Our ideal Director of Product & Innovation will have:

• 10+ years’ experience within product development, ideally in the beauty market and suncare market
• Working knowledge of delivering NPD from concept to launch on time and on budget
• Solid experience working within a fast paced and agile NPD position
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to develop strong rapport and influences across team members, stakeholders and suppliers both globally and regionally
• Strong leadership capabilities including day to day management, strategic direction, managing escalated issues and driving team growth
• Process orientated, demonstrated ability to develop repeatable processes or improve existing processes, to deliver outcomes
• Strong problem solver, the ability to be agile and find creative solutions to obstacles in PD process.
• Deep understanding of nuances of the global consumer and product offering to fuel the innovation pipeline, driving product enhancements and initiating product redesign projects
• Knowledge and awareness of consumer insights, local and global trends

About us

Australian made, and globally loved, Bondi Sands offers an award-winning range of tanning, SPF, and skincare products to customers all around the world. The brands’ glowing success is evident in its cult-like following and status of No.1 tanning brand in the world. We take pride in delivering a premium product to our customers and partnering with our retailers to extend our glow to the far corners (and bathrooms) of the world.

Bondi Sands recently joined the Kao Corporation portfolio of brands who are a global leader in the FMCG industry, committed to providing care and enrichment to both people and the planet. With the backing of a 130 years of experience Kao Corporation are supporting the continued growth of Bondi Sands.

This role will be based in our stunning Bondi HQ office in Port Melbourne, by the beach and is hybrid in nature (3/2 office-WFH split). You will join a team of passionate, hands-on, dedicated employees who work collaboratively in an open space. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary package, great learning & development, paid parental leave, health & wellbeing initiatives & benefits, flexibility, free products, a glowing culture, and the rare opportunity to contribute your category expertise within a global market-leading brand.

Do you have what it takes? Apply now!

Bondi Sands and Kao Corporation are committed to creating a diverse workplace that provides an equal opportunity for all. We value talent of diverse backgrounds and experiences and encourage all to apply to become a part of our global journey.

We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for everyone. If you require any adjustments or support, please let us know in your application.