Assistant Manager, Product Development
About The Position
Hourglass Cosmetics is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Assistant Manager, Product Development to support the development, testing, and commercialization of innovative beauty products. This role supports and manages key aspects of the end-to-end product development process, driving multiple projects simultaneously while partnering cross-functionally to ensure alignment with brand strategy, timelines, and quality standards. The ideal candidate is passionate about beauty, has a strong eye for color and texture, and brings a curious, organized, and detail-oriented approach to their work. This role also contributes to innovation by identifying trends, evaluating competitive benchmarks, and supporting new product concepts that align with brand DNA and market opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, ideally in the beauty industry
- Minimum 3 years of experience in beauty, working in product development, preferably in color cosmetics
- Strong passion for makeup and excitement for participating in the product creation process
- Strong eye for formula, color, and overall product experience
- Curious and creative thinker
- Self-starter who takes initiative and works independently
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Excellent time and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple assignments and prioritize effectively
- Highly adaptable with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
- Analytical with strong presentation and communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal)
- Proficient in MS Office, project management software, and survey tools
- Ability to travel for shade matching, pilot or production approvals, and trade shows, as needed
- Must be able to work from Corporate Office at least 60% of the time
Responsibilities
- Support and manage multiple product development projects end-to-end with guidance from the Director, owning milestones, timelines, and deliverables from concept through commercialization
- Maintain the development calendar and critical path across projects, proactively tracking against shifting launch dates and flagging risks to timeline or scope
- Oversee formula and shade submissions from contract manufacturers – organizing, evaluating, logging, and providing clear, actionable feedback
- Conduct in-depth evaluation of formulas and shades, assessing texture, payoff, performance, and overall product experience
- Develop and refine product briefs in partnership with cross-functional teams, ensuring clarity in objectives, positioning, and technical requirements
- Maintain and support the evolution of a comprehensive library of formulations, shade ranges, and competitive benchmarks
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Project Management, Packaging, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations to support seamless product development and successful launches
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of product specifications, shade standards, and all development documentation
- Identify quality or performance discrepancies, support root-cause investigations, and collaborate on timely resolution
- Prepare and deliver product reviews, presentations, and development updates to internal stakeholders
- Participate in vendor meetings and support external partner relationships
Benefits
- medical insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- life insurance
- accident insurance
- critical illness insurance
- disability insurance
- retirement savings plans and company match
- paid family leave
- education-related programs
- paid holidays
- discretionary vacation time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
