VM Development and Engineering Manager

Job Description

What You Will Achieve:

VM Engineering & Product Development

• Evaluate design concepts and renderings to assess technical feasibility, manufacturability, structural integrity, and production requirements.

• Develop engineering solutions that preserve design intent while optimizing functionality, durability, assembly, and installation.

• Recommend appropriate materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to achieve quality and cost objectives.

• Collaborate with Design, Project Management, and IP teams throughout the development process to ensure successful execution.

• Review and approve engineering drawings, CAD files, technical specifications, and production documentation.

Structural Engineering & Technical Validation

• Assess structural performance and mechanical functionality of VM tools and displays.

• Lead prototype development, testing, and validation activities to ensure product durability and in-store performance.

• Review testing protocols and results to confirm compliance with quality, safety, and performance requirements.

• Identify and resolve engineering risks, manufacturing challenges, and technical issues throughout the development lifecycle.

• Ensure all VM solutions comply with applicable safety regulations, environmental standards, and retailer requirements including lighting.

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

• Drive value engineering initiatives to improve product performance while reducing manufacturing and material costs.

• Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and production processes to achieve cost-saving opportunities.

• Partner with IP and suppliers to identify efficiencies in tooling, production, packaging, and logistics.

• Track and document cost-saving initiatives and engineering improvements across projects.

• Balance cost targets with quality, aesthetics, sustainability, and brand standards.

Vendor Engineering Management

• Work closely with manufacturing partners to review design intent, engineering proposals, and production methodologies.

• Evaluate and challenge vendor recommendations to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.

• Review, provide feedback on, and approve vendor engineering submissions, prototypes, and pre-production samples.

• Monitor vendor development timelines and engineering deliverables to ensure project milestones are achieved.

• Support vendor qualification, capability assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality & Production Readiness

• Ensure display structures, graphic components, packaging, and assembly methods meet required quality standards.

• Conduct engineering reviews during prototype, pilot, and production stages to ensure readiness for manufacturing.

• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality or production issues.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful production launches and implementation.

• Maintain engineering standards, best practices, and technical documentation across VM projects.

Qualifications

What You Will Need:

• 5+ years of experience in the display, VM, or retail fixture industry, preferably in prestige cosmetics.

• Strong knowledge of display construction and manufacturing processes, including injection molding, vacuum forming, acrylic and metal fabrication, decoration processes, and LED lighting.

• Ability to read and interpret technical/engineering drawings.

• Experience working with vendors to develop innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing business needs.

• Collaborative team player with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

• Sketching skills are a plus.

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred.

What We Offer:

We provide market-competitive packages and trainings to our staff to ensure they are well-rewarded with room to excel in their career:

• Opportunities to learn and lead: we provide on-the-job trainings to ensure employees are equipped with the most up-to-date skillsets and knowledge.

• Career development: we work with you to advance your career through short-term assignments, relocations and new experiences.

• Work-life balance as a priority: we offer benefits and implement policies to help employees balance their personal and professional priorities, including flexible working hours and enhanced parental leave.

Who We Are:

We are the global leader in prestige beauty —delighting consumers with transformative products and experiences, inspiring them to express their individual beauty through our high-touch offerings. We are a brand-led business and the only company focused solely on prestige makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care with a diverse portfolio of 25+ brands sold in approximately 150 countries and territories. Infused throughout our organization is a passion for creativity and innovation — a desire to push the boundaries and invent the unexpected — as we continue the bold work of our founder Estée Lauder.

We are a values-driven organization. Our actions are rooted in the Lauder Family values of respect for the individual, uncompromising ethics and integrity, generosity of spirit and fearless persistence. Building on these core values we also abide by the following principles:

• Unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.

• Infusing creativity and innovation throughout all aspects of the business.

• Nurturing and developing world-class talent.

• Cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

• Acting responsibly and caring for the communities we serve.

There are exciting opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the last few years, APAC has become a powerhouse for growth and a core “center of gravity” for our company. We are the market leader in APAC and the region continues to lead global growth. Today, we employ more than 16,500 full time staff in the APAC region, where the company operates 13 affiliate offices and pioneering R&D facilities. There are thousands of points of sale, including our free-standing stores and e-commerce sites catering to consumers offline and online.