MIRANDA McCLARY
Bloomfield,USA
Summary
Results-driven Executive Director of Product Development with expertise in high-performance complexion product formulation. Led a portfolio delivering 10+ product launches annually, driving significant revenue growth. Partnered with global makeup artists to innovate shade inclusivity and skin benefits, while effectively communicating product strategies to executive leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, FACE
MAC Cosmetics
New York, NY
12.2023 - Current
- Led global product development and formula innovation for complexion categories (foundation, concealer, powder, blush, bronzer, highlighters), managing portfolio exceeding $300M in annual revenue.
- Directed end-to-end formula development from concept through commercialization, achieving 10+ annual launches that prioritized shade inclusivity and regulatory readiness across global markets.
- Led end-to-end formula development for high-performance complexion products, ensuring shade inclusivity, skin benefits, regulatory compliance, and cost targets across global markets.
- Spearheaded development of hybrid complexion formulas merging makeup performance with clinically supported skincare benefits, aligning with clean and conscious trends.
- Collaborated with 25 global makeup artists to create trending shades and formulations, elevating product appeal and optimizing application techniques.
- Presented product innovation strategy, pipeline updates, and launch readiness to executive leadership, translating technical complexity into clear business impact.
- Built and executed complexion innovation pipelines resulting in multiple hero SKUs, including bestselling foundations and concealers ranked Top 10 in key retailers within 6 months of launch.
DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
Jersey City, NJ
08.2020 - 11.2023
- Category Lead for Face, Eye, Lip, Brush & Accessories.
- Manages over $20-65M product launches per year.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate timely product launches and mitigate risks during development.
- Supported development of 2–5-year innovation strategy and 18-month calendar, integrating innovative market strategies, promotional programs, and product concepts.
- Directs product claims testing with R&I and legal team to validate all consumer and clinical claims.
- Manages International product launches, including Asian market.
- Successfully developed and oversees OTC & ISO formulation to ensure the product meets all regulation and safety requirements.
- Manages a team of three direct reports that leads all phases of formula development and new product innovation.
- Led development of top-selling SPF foundation shade extension, CC+ Cream, in 2019.
- Improved & extended shade range on very restrictive formula with high level mineral sunscreen (SPF50).
- Achieved a deeper vibrant shade range by conducting extensive panel testing on deeper skin tone to create the deepest shade on the market with a high-level mineral sunscreen in base formula.
- Increased product & brand awareness by 45% + Increased sales by 25% YTD.
- Spearheaded re-animation of best-selling Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, enhancing formula and updating marketing story based on new consumer testing and claims.
- Extended shades from 5 to 48 to globalize customer base.
- Updated packaging, reducing costs by $0.22 per unit and decreasing manufacturing lead time by 3 weeks.
- Renovated product formulas and replaced raw materials to ensure compliance with UK and international market regulations.
SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
Jersey City, NJ
12.2017 - 07.2020
- Managed development of shade extensions for complexion, eyeshadow, and lip product lines, ensuring alignment with brand vision
- Collaborated with chemists to direct formulation and shade development aligned with brand standards
- Executed timelines to coordinate marketing, creative, operations, and sales throughout product development cycle, improving cross-functional collaboration
- Led communication with suppliers on packaging development for all ongoing projects
- Evaluates pre-production samples of new and existing products to recommend approval for mass production
- Facilitated weekly progress meetings with senior management to report on new launch statuses and resolve key issues
- Seasonally travels to overseas factories for line trials, pilot batches & manufacturing of “A” launches
- Conducted quarterly studies of industry trends and innovations to identify new ideas aligning with brand identity
MANAGER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
Jersey City, NJ
04.2015 - 11.2017
- Managed development of all shade extensions for complexion, eyeshadow, and lip product lines, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market trends
- Created and executed timelines to guide Marketing, Creative, Operations, and Sales through product development cycle, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration
- Coordinated packaging development with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
- Served as primary liaison for packaging development with suppliers on all active projects.
- Evaluates pre-production samples of new and existing products to recommend approval for mass production
- Quarterly studies industry trends & innovations in search of new ideas that will resonate with the brand's identity
- Seasonally travels to overseas factories for line trials, pilot batches & manufacturing of “A” launches
- Led weekly progress meetings with senior management to provide updates on new launches and resolve critical issues.
SENIOR BRAND MANAGER
Hard Candy Cosmetics, Nu World Beauty
Carteret, NJ
06.2012 - 04.2015
- Monitored and analyzed trends, consumer insights, competitive launches, and industry developments to shape product strategy and assortment
- Work with Marketing and Creative to create a holistic product experience including the packaging
- Developed and managed supplier relationships, facilitating lab briefs and communications with labs/chemists
- Managed suppliers in new product development, ensuring timely delivery of critical project milestones
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Hard Candy Cosmetics, Nu World Beauty
Carteret, NJ
04.2011 - 05.2012
- Collaborated closely with chemists to direct formulation and shade development, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and consumer trends.
- Collaborated with production and planning throughout product lifecycle on filling and timing logistics to meet launch deadlines.
- Coordinated with QC, QA, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to compile product documentation, ensuring compliance and confirming stability/compatibility for successful launches.
- Reviewed primary and secondary packaging for new launches, ensuring adherence to specifications and brand standards.
- Managed key accounts including MAC, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Josie Maran & Sephora to drive product visibility and market presence.
Education
CERTIFICATE - Fundamentals of Project Management
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
01.2018
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Home Product Development and Marketing
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
New York, NY01.2004
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - Fashion Merchandising Management
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
New York, NY01.2002
Skills
- Product development
- Shade formulation
- Market analysis
- Market research
- Project management
- Vendor relations
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Team leadership
- Strategic strategy
- Problem solving
Awards
- Innovative Product Development Competition Winner, 2004
- Visual Merchandising and Display Award for Tabletop Design, 2003
Timeline
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, FACE
MAC Cosmetics
12.2023 - Current
DIRECTOR, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
08.2020 - 11.2023
SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
12.2017 - 07.2020
MANAGER, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MAKEUP
L’OREAL, IT Cosmetics
04.2015 - 11.2017
SENIOR BRAND MANAGER
Hard Candy Cosmetics, Nu World Beauty
06.2012 - 04.2015
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Hard Candy Cosmetics, Nu World Beauty
04.2011 - 05.2012
CERTIFICATE - Fundamentals of Project Management
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Home Product Development and Marketing
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - Fashion Merchandising Management
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY