Product Development Assistant Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time/Hybrid-San Fernando Valley
Position Overview
We are seeking a Product Development Assistant Manager to help generate fresh, distinctive product ideas and initiatives that reflect current trends and align with overall brand vision. This role supports the continued growth of a fast-moving beauty business across multiple channels and global markets.
The ideal candidate is energized by the creative process behind developing innovative beauty products and is comfortable working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. This person should be adaptable, highly organized, analytical, collaborative, and passionate about beauty, consumer trends, and product innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the development and testing of new product formulas.
- Conduct competitive research on products, ingredients, technologies, and market trends to support new concept development.
- Manage multiple product development projects across various formats with strong attention to detail and flexibility.
- Work directly with contract manufacturers to monitor timelines and drive project progress throughout development.
- Request formulas, marketing samples, and technical documentation from suppliers while maintaining quality standards.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to establish formula performance and shade prototypes for new launches and reformulations.
- Support on-site formula development, shade matching, pilot runs, scale-up activities, and production batching as needed.
- Track, catalog, and organize formula and shade submissions.
- Maintain product development storage rooms and materials in an organized manner.
- Attend trade shows, supplier meetings, and industry events to stay informed on emerging trends and technologies.
Qualifications
- MUST have 3+ years of experience in skincare and color cosmetics product development, preferably within clean beauty.
- Experience supporting the full product development lifecycle from concept through market launch.
- Background in omni-channel beauty brands, including indie and high-growth environments.
- Experience with direct-to-consumer, digital, and e-commerce channels is a plus.
- Strong understanding of the U.S. market; global experience is an advantage.
- Demonstrated strength in color matching.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Proficiency with PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and relevant industry tools or databases.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
- Strong passion for beauty, color cosmetics, consumer behavior, and market trends.
- Collaborative mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit and professional presence.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means helping bring innovative, trend-forward beauty products to life while balancing creativity, execution, and organization. The right candidate will contribute positively to the team, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and support the delivery of high-quality products from concept to launch.
