Product Development & Innovation Manager

About Salt Oral Care Salt Oral Care is building India's next-generation oral care brand. We're on a mission to create products that people genuinely love through better formulations, premium ingredients, thoughtful design, and continuous innovation. We're looking for someone who is passionate about creating exceptional consumer productsnot someone who simply coordinates projects. If you're someone who loves understanding ingredients, improving formulations, solving customer problems, and bringing innovative products to life, we'd love to meet you. About the Role This role sits at the heart of our product innovation journey. As our Product Development & Innovation Manager, you'll lead the complete lifecycle of our productsfrom identifying new opportunities and developing formulations to improving existing products based on customer feedback and market insights. You'll work closely with founders, formulation labs, manufacturers, dentists, packaging partners, and cross-functional teams to build products that stand out in the market. This is a high-ownership role where you'll directly influence the future of Salt's product portfolio. What You'll Own New Product DevelopmentIdentify new product opportunities based on consumer insights, market trends and category gaps.Build new products from concept to commercial launch.Work with formulation labs and R&D teams to develop innovative oral care products.Coordinate product trials, sampling, testing and validation.Manage timelines from idea to launch. Formulation & Product ExcellenceWork closely with formulation scientists, manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.Evaluate ingredients, active compounds, efficacy, taste, texture, stability and shelf life.Ensure products meet quality, safety and regulatory standards.Research global trends in oral care ingredients and formulations. Continuous Product ImprovementGreat products are never finished. You'll continuously improve our existing products by: Analysing customer complaintsUnderstanding product reviewsImproving formulationsEnhancing product performanceIncreasing product qualityReducing recurring customer issuesDriving better consumer experience Manufacturing & Vendor ManagementCoordinate with contract manufacturers and production partners.Manage product development timelines.Work with packaging vendors to ensure premium product delivery.Ensure successful commercial production and launch readiness. Product StrategyIdentify opportunities for portfolio expansion.Build products that solve real consumer problems.Drive innovation rather than incremental improvements.Recommend new ingredients, technologies and product formats. Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with: FoundersMarketingSupply ChainOperationsQualityPackagingManufacturingR&D TeamsExternal LaboratoriesWho We're Looking ForMandatory Experience 35 years in Product Development / NPD / R&D Experience in one or more of the following industries: Oral CarePersonal CareCosmeticsBeautyHealthcareConsumer HealthcareOTC ProductsFMCGPharmaNutraceuticals Hands-on experience developing physical consumer products. Strong understanding of formulations, ingredients and product development. Experience working directly with formulation labs, manufacturers and R&D teams. Ability to independently drive products from concept to launch. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Preferred QualificationsCandidates with any of the following backgrounds will be highly preferred: BDS (Dentist)B.Pharm / M.PharmCosmetic ScienceBiotechnologyFood TechnologyChemistryLife SciencesOR Professionals who have worked extensively with: Formulation laboratoriesOral care brandsDental product companiesCosmetic R&DConsumer healthcare companiesYou'll Love This Role If You.Love creating products from scratch.Enjoy working with ingredients and formulations.Naturally look for ways to improve existing products.Are obsessed with solving customer problems.Want to build products that people genuinely love.Thrive in a fast-moving founder-led startup. .