Associate Manager, Product Innovation

Summary

The Associate Manager, Product Innovation supports the development, reformulation, testing, and launch of skincare, lip, body and fragrance products, managing timelines and cross-functional collaboration. Reporting to the Director, Product Innovation, the role participates in ideation, ingredient research, product profiling, and evaluation while working closely with R&D, suppliers, packaging, regulatory and marketing teams. The position requires strong organization, communication, analytical skills, and a passion for science-driven product innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage execution of product development projects with R&D to ensure milestones and launch timelines are met.
• Support and coordinate product testing programs including safety, efficacy, and consumer panels.
• Write and publish detailed product profiles and briefs defining concept, features, claims, key ingredients and development parameters.
• Manage reformulation projects, maintain new ingredient database, and monitor competitive innovation and ingredient technologies.
• Track submissions and approvals, provide feedback to R&D, and attend regular cross-functional briefings to align on timelines and launch plans.
• Collaborate with packaging, regulatory, legal, and marketing teams to ensure product compliance, storytelling, and packaging development.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of experience in cosmetic product development, with skincare experience required.
• Experience working day-to-day with R&D on technical formulation details; personal formulation experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of cosmetic industry regulations and ingredient technologies.
• Strong organizational, planning, written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's degree (science, marketing or related); graduate degree a plus. Occasional travel required.