About Debut Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world.

Benefits

that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.

Director, Formulation Sales – West Coast Location: San Diego, CA (Debut’s Headquarters) Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer Type: Full-Time Salary Range: USD $140,000–$175,000 per annum (base) + performance-based incentives, commensurate with experience MAKE YOUR DEBUT 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.

Summary Debut is seeking a commercially driven, highly connected Director of Formulation Sales to own and grow our West Coast formulation business. This is a hunter and closer role focused exclusively on selling custom-developed finished formulations to beauty brands, not an ingredient sales role. The right candidate has spent their career inside the beauty contract manufacturing ecosystem, knows how prestige and emerging brands buy, and understands how to move a formulation brief from first conversation to signed commercial agreement.

The ideal candidate is deeply embedded in the West Coast beauty community, with active relationships across the LA, San Francisco, and Pacific Northwest markets. They will carry an established book of brand relationships, arrive ready to engage immediately, and be comfortable presenting to a VP of Product Development. Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, this person will serve as Debut’s primary commercial driver for West Coast formulation revenue.

Essential Functions Own and drive Debut’s West Coast formulation sales strategy, with full accountability for revenue achievement and expansion of the active customer base across prestige, masstige, and indie beauty segments in the West Coast market. Leverage an existing, active network of decision-maker relationships at major beauty brands with a concentration in West Coast-headquartered prestige, masstige and indie brands including VP-level and above contacts in product development, R&D, and procurement, to open doors, secure formulation briefs, and accelerate commercial cycles. Proactively identify, prioritize, and pursue new brand partnerships across skincare and color cosmetics to continuously expand Debut’s West Coast brand portfolio.

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 throughout. Awarded formulations are manufactured and filled by Debut’s CM partners, and this role is responsible for managing a smooth commercial handoff to ensure seamless execution.