About Debut
Debut is a vertically integrated biotechnology company pioneering the next generation of high-performance cosmetic active ingredients. We combine AI-driven discovery with proprietary bioprocessing to develop the highest performing and clinically proven active ingredients that outperform conventionally sourced alternatives. From molecule to market, Debut controls the full value chain: ingredient discovery, formulation science, clinical validation, and scaled manufacturing delivering novel active ingredients to the global beauty industry faster and with better efficacy data than traditional suppliers.
Location
New York City, NY – Remote
Position
Director of Formulation Sales (East Coast)
Reports To
Chief Commercial Officer
Employment Type
Full-Time
Salary
$140,000–$175,000 per annum (base) + performance-based incentives, commensurate with experience
Job Summary
Debut is seeking a commercially driven, highly connected Director of Formulation Sales to own and grow our East Coast formulation business. This hunter and closer role focuses exclusively on selling custom-developed finished formulations to beauty brands, not an ingredient sales role.
Essential Functions
- Own and drive Debut’s East Coast formulation sales strategy with full accountability for revenue achievement and expansion of the active customer base across prestige, masstige, and indie beauty segments.
- Leverage an active network of decision-maker relationships at major beauty brands with a concentration in East Coast-headquartered prestige, masstige, and indie brands to open doors, secure formulation briefs, and accelerate commercial cycles.
- Lead the full formulation sales cycle from initial brand engagement through briefing, proposal, sampling, pricing, and first production purchase order, coordinating closely with Debut’s R&D, Operations and formulation teams.
- Develop deep understanding of each brand customer’s NPD roadmap, franchise architecture, launch/portfolio priorities, and translate that intelligence into tailored product/formulation proposals that integrate Debut’s active ingredient platform.
- Represent Debut at US and international industry trade shows, brand summits, and strategy sessions; plan and execute brand-facing activations in coordination with marketing and R&D teams.
- Build and maintain an accurate sales pipeline in Debut’s CRM, providing clear visibility into project status, revenue forecasts, and market intelligence.
- Serve as a trusted commercial partner to brand customers throughout the product development lifecycle, managing relationships to secure repeat business and translating market feedback into actionable insights for Debut’s formulation roadmap.
- Operate with a high degree of autonomy and entrepreneurial urgency in a fast-moving, early-stage commercial environment, building a strong pipeline while simultaneously closing business.
Education and Experience
The role requires a genuine passion for beauty and deep roots in the prestige, masstige, and indie beauty world.
- 8+ years of experience in sales or in beauty product development within the contract manufacturing field or ingredient sales, with a meaningful portion of that time spent selling formulation or custom development services directly to beauty brands.
- Established, active network of decision-maker relationships at major beauty brands, with meaningful concentration in East Coast-headquartered companies across skincare and/or color cosmetics.
- Customer-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skills to build trust at every level of an organization.
- Demonstrated track record of meeting and exceeding revenue targets in a B2B formulation or contract manufacturing sales role.
- Strong technical fluency to engage credibly with brand R&D and product development teams on formulation performance, ingredient claims, and timelines.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with an assertive and confident closing style.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
- Proficiency with CRM platforms (Monday, Salesforce or equivalent) and discipline in pipeline management and forecasting.
- Experience in or alongside an early-stage, high-growth company is a plus.
Essential Physical Characteristics
- Frequent sitting, standing, and walking during customer meetings, trade shows, and extended travel.
- Repetitive use of hands to operate computers, mobile devices, and presentation equipment.
- Ability to carry and transport sales materials and samples weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Frequent domestic and international air travel.
- Ability to navigate diverse physical environments including manufacturing facilities, trade show floors, and customer offices.
Condition of Employment
As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, nationality, sex, marital status, pregnancy status, caregiving responsibilities, race, religion, language, disability, or mental health conditions. Employment decisions at Debut are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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