Account Manager

Debut Biotech•San Diego, CA

39d

About The Position

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. Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health 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. Account Manager Summary The primary focus for this position will be working with external brand partners, contract manufacturers of personal care products, and supporting sales and operations. Regarding external brand partnerships and sales, activities will be devoted to customer contacts, proactive problem diffusion, and management of all new projects and open orders. For operations, you will be working closely and communicating with the managers of each existing department to develop cohesive strategies and corresponding timelines for each new project.  Effective and efficient management of product briefs with the focus on developing high quality products that drive to repeat customer PO's. Support business development strategy and execution. Execute regular order process.

Requirements

BA or BS in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related field preferred
Minimum 3+ years of account management experience required, including brand-facing client engagement with strong ownership and accountability.
Prior experience in skincare formulation account management is required
Experience working at or closely with a Contract Manufacturer of personal care products preferred
Knowledge of color cosmetics and ability to color match is a plus
Experience with technology transfer from bench scale to full production
Understanding of testing requirements necessary for product launch
Experience in Personal Care & Cosmetic Products required
Excellent Customer Service skills, ability to communicate clearly to both external and internal customers
Ability to work successfully with customers in difficult situations and communicate clearly either verbally or in writing
Preferable to have direct experience in the personal care, cosmetic or fragrance industry
Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Perform essential duties and responsibilities efficiently, accurately, and safely
Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2)
The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants
The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire , safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Nice To Haves

Preferable to have direct experience in the personal care, cosmetic or fragrance industry

Responsibilities

Support brand partners with timely and accurate cost estimates / quotes, timelines and other information
Receive and process all incoming product briefs and redirects
Liaison between contract manufacturer, external brands and internal stakeholders to clearly and effectively execute projects
Have working knowledge of the contract manufacturing process, specifically related to skincare, and preferably broader within personal care, color cosmetic products is a plus
Where possible, adjust project management approach and coordinate with the Debut team to fit the unique needs of each customer while respecting Debut processes
Utilize project management tools to track project progress, manage deadlines, and communicate status updates effectively to all stakeholders
Develop and maintain project schedules, ensuring that milestones are met, and any potential delays are promptly addressed
Be the main point of contact to the customer
Ensure R&D and costing paperwork is complete and accurate before sending to the customer
Actively manage the scale-up process for any customer products starting the first production run including carefully managing customer expectations
Think strategically about each customer's New Product Development (NPD) projects to drive customers to the best decision as efficiently as possible
Proactively raise risks, deadlines, and concerns to meet launch timeline objectives
Support business development initiatives as needed via sample and presentation coordination
Actively participate in market research on behalf of Debut
Participate in customer vetting as needed
Visit customers and contract manufacturers as needed
Clear and effective communication with brand partners and to Debut including executing the weekly order process and identify exceptions
Support the long-term scheduling process as well as daily / weekly scheduling processes
Support quality in the management of any quality issues that arise as it relates to resolution and communication to the customer
Investigate and resolve inventory questions and discrepancies
Forecasting future orders