Associate Manager, Product Development - Color

The Product Development Associate Manager will be responsible for assisting and contributing to the conceptualization, initiation, development, evaluation, and follow-through for color product development in line with Beautycounter’s Mission and “Never List”.  You will collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure the parameters of each project are aligned with the product development concept, timeline, budget with attention to detail in execution. This position requires solid understanding of product development fundamentals with experience in color cosmetics along with the ability to apply strategic thinking from ideation to launch.

Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the Director of Color PD, manage all product development tasks (as assigned) for the development of new, limited life, shade extensions or reformulated products in accordance with Beautycounter’s formulation guidelines (aka: “The Never List”) on time and on budget.
• Manage projects with high attention to detail, while being agile and adaptable to change in a fast-paced, environment.
• Conduct internal submission testing and gather feedback about the performance and aesthetic of the submissions for assigned projects to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Safety, Mission, Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure formulas meet compliance and testing requirements as outlined by Beautycounter.
• Request, coordinate and ship testing bulk samples for PD Color Team.
• After final formula approval, hand over formula to Technical PD for technical testing plan, bridge requests, scale-up and line trials. Support as needed.
• Support the Director of Color PD in claim substantiation by preparing claims grid, communicating key ingredient stories to Innovation team, following up on clinical and consumer testing to ensure it’s completion.
• Work with Director of Color PD to ensure that processes according to Stage Gate are followed during development and communicated cross functionally.
• Interact directly with contract manufacturers and formulators to track projects, drive progress and build strong relationships during the development process. 
• Responsible for upholding consistency and color integrity of all color products through batch reviews, approvals and master standard log management.
• Responsible for establishing color targets/shade indicators across all color products for packaging design and creative assets.
• Maintain submission tracker for all vendors during formula and shade development for PD Color Team.
• Support artwork review and approval process.
• Perform competitive research on new products, ingredient technologies, and competitive brand analysis to establish supporting data toward new product concepts.
• Responsible for sample request and submission forms to internal and external parties with accurate documentation and tracking system.
• Manage calls with Contract Manufacturers to track assigned milestones and for all color projects.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and supplier meetings to stay abreast of current trends and technologies, as needed/ where applicable.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (BA or BS preferred).
• Minimum 2-3 years of color product development experience.
• Proficiency in evaluating and re-directing formula and color.
• Passion for makeup, the beauty industry, consumer and market trends.
• Demonstrate creative problem solving, excellent conceptual development skills and strong strategic, analytical thinking.
• Proactive, self-starter mentality to act promptly with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a strong attention for detail and project management skills.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Leveraging natural curiosity to drive the identification of opportunities for creativity & innovation.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with internal and external partners. Experience managing contract manufacturer and supplier relationships.
• Commitment and passion for our mission and living Beautycounter Values - Transparent, Forward-Thinking, Thoughtful, Determined, and Spirited.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%
• On-site four days per week (one day WFH)