The Senior Innovation Manager – Color Cosmetics plays a pivotal role in unlocking the next generation of makeup innovation for Coty’s Consumer Beauty brands. Based in Shanghai, this role acts as a creative bridge between Asia’s most advanced Third‑Party Manufacturers (TPMs) and our global brand teams—transforming emerging textures, sensorial formats, and regional trends into compelling, consumer‑first innovations.
Success means surfacing disruptive ideas, leading co‑creation with top Asian labs, and shaping prototypes that inspire our global teams while accelerating our color cosmetics pipeline.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Development
- Scout, evaluate, and champion cutting‑edge formula technologies, textures, and application concepts emerging from Asia.
- Shape a 3–5 year external innovation pipeline aligned to Coty’s color cosmetics ambitions across Face, Eyes, and Lips.
- Convert consumer insights and competitive landscape learnings into new opportunity spaces and creative concept briefs.
Co‑Creation & Product Development
- Partner closely with leading Asia‑based Third‑Party Manufacturers (TPMs) to co‑create breakthrough prototypes and new‑to‑Coty technologies.
- Drive creative iteration cycles—exploring textures, sensoriality, color payoffs, and experiential elements that resonate globally.
- Ensure prototypes meet brand expectations for performance, claims relevance, and feasibility.
- Bring forward bold, inspiring ideas that help shape storytelling and future pipeline direction.
Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Act as the innovation connector between TPMs, global R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Regulatory, and Supply.
- Bring clarity and creative insight to cross‑functional partners during evaluations, pilot testing, and early brand alignment.
- Help translate technical concepts into inspiring narratives for non‑technical stakeholders.
Trend & Market Intelligence
- Proactively monitor Asia‑based beauty trends, formats, application techniques, textures, pigments, and finishes.
- Represent Coty at key regional industry events such as MakeUp in Shanghai, CBE Shanghai, Cosmoprof Asia, and other relevant Asian trade shows.
- Provide ongoing insight into emerging K‑Beauty, J‑Beauty, and C‑Beauty signals that can influence global innovation strategy.
Project Management & Execution
- Manage multiple innovation workstreams in parallel, from scouting through prototype co‑creation and early brand reviews.
- Ensure strong communication flow, clear next steps, and well‑structured updates for stakeholders.
- Maintain creative energy, pace, and momentum across projects to ensure inspiration translates into actionable innovation.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (BA, BS, MBA, or equivalent) in any discipline.
- 5–8+ years of experience in beauty innovation, product development, color cosmetics, brand development, or a related creative field.
- Strong understanding of makeup products, textures, finishes, consumer sensorial preferences, and global category dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally and influence in a matrixed, multicultural environment.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to turn technical development into clear, compelling concepts.
- Technical analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other applications as needed.
- Fluent in English; Mandarin proficiency strongly preferred.
Preferred
- Experience working with Asia‑based Third‑Party Manufacturers (TPMs) or external labs.
- Knowledge of regional beauty trends across C‑Beauty, K‑Beauty, and J‑Beauty.
- Practical experience as a Makeup Artist, Makeup Influencer, or hands‑on creator with deep understanding of application techniques and consumer‑facing storytelling.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A front‑row seat to Asia’s fastest‑moving beauty innovation ecosystem.
- The opportunity to co‑create with world‑class TPMs and influence Coty’s global color cosmetics pipeline.
- A highly creative, fast‑paced environment that rewards curiosity and experimentation.
- Global exposure and strong development opportunities within Coty’s Innovation and R&D network.
ABOUT YOU
- Deep passion for makeup, creativity, and product experimentation.
- Hyper‑curious about textures, finishes, pigments, trends, and emerging formats.
- Strong aesthetic sense and ability to recognize what will resonate with consumers.
- A connector who can inspire others, build strong relationships, and turn insights into action.
- Entrepreneurial, agile, and energized by rapid testing, iteration, and co‑creation.
ABOUT COTY
Coty is one of the world’s largest beauty companies with an iconic portfolio of brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, skincare, and body care. At Coty, we celebrate the entire human kaleidoscope and cultivate a culture of fearless kindness. Therefore, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against any candidate or employee and strive to be an open, inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees can be their authentic self. Join us in making over the world of beauty!
For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com/your-career
Unsolicited services or offers from recruitment agencies or intermediaries will not be responded to.
Since 1904, Coty has fearlessly pioneered innovation across the beauty industry. We have a reputation for breaking new ground; a history of ‘firsts’ and ‘bests’ that has laid the foundation for the industry as we know it today.
For over a century, our brands have been empowering people to express themselves and create their own vision of beauty. It’s a legacy we’re proud to own and grow.
We work hand-in-hand with our people, our partners and our customers. Together, we unleash every vision of beauty.
We stand for the beauty of diversity and the diversity of beauty - celebrating and inspiring all the expressions of beauty that exist and that will exist.
We honor you, and we honor our planet. We create Beauty That Lasts. A beauty that is both good to people and the world.
Our mission is to create a forward thinking beauty; Products that provide new, innovative and simply better science based solutions.
Let’s keep making over the beauty world TOGETHER.
