New Product Development Manager
🎓 QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
• Diploma or Degree in Cosmetic Science, Product Management, or related (e.g. Coschem Diploma, BCom with beauty sector experience)
• Provides foundational understanding of cosmetic product development without overemphasis on formulation
Advantageous:
• Short courses in Regulatory Compliance, Trend Forecasting, or Project Management
• Supports success in brand-aligned innovation, documentation, and cross-functional execution
Optional:
• Basic lab skills or sample blending exposure (e.g. perfume oils)
• Only if they’ll occasionally mix sample concepts or evaluate raw materials internally
🛠️ SKILLS
Core Skills:
• Strong project management
• Brief writing & supplier liaison
• Excellent communication (internal/external)
• Packaging coordination & documentation handling
• Time and priority management
Analytical/Research:
• Trend scouting, competitor gap analysis
• Translating Member feedback into actionable concepts
• Cost analysis & basic budgeting awareness
Digital Skills:
• Proficient in Excel, MS Office, and online collaboration tools
• Comfortable using digital trackers or PLM-lite systems for managing briefs, approvals, specs
Light Sampling Support:
• Ability to do basic sample mixing (e.g., perfume oils) and physical product evaluations (texture, smell, packaging fit) as needed – no deep formulation required
🧠 EXPERIENCE
Essential:
• 3–5 years in new product development, preferably in cosmetics, fragrance, or consumer beauty
• Supplier & contract manufacturer coordination
• Launch timeline ownership (from brief to shelf)
• Experience supporting compliance documentation and label claims
Advantageous:
• Exposure to packaging sourcing
• Member- or customer-driven product co-creation experience
• Familiarity with SA/EU cosmetic regulations (even if working through partners)
Optional:
• Experience preparing basic in-house evaluation samples (e.g., fragrance blending or leakage testing)
🌟 ATTRIBUTES
Member-Obsessed:
• Deeply curious about what excites, solves, and elevates the Member’s business and self-care needs
Strategic Collaborator:
• Comfortable engaging with the Founder and Technical experts to translate vision into briefed concepts
Organized & Outcome-Oriented:
• Keeps multiple launches moving with clarity, urgency, and cross-functional precision
Creative & Trend-Savvy:
• Keeps a pulse on cosmetics, fragrance, packaging, and wellness trends and knows how to apply them to a local audience
High Integrity & Brand Stewardship:
• Protects the brand’s quality, story, and product identity while collaborating with suppliers and internal teams
Agile & Comfortable with Ambiguity:
• Can work with partial information, adapt to fast-moving timelines, and co-create solutions with external partners
