MAIN JOB OBJECTIVEThe Associate Manager, Product Innovation, will support the development of skincare, lip care, body care and fragrance new launches and reformulations, tracking key milestones on a day-to-day basis to stay within allotted timelines. Reporting to the Director, Product Innovation, the Associate Manager will actively participate in ideation, research, evaluation, development, and follow-through of these projects. The Associate Manager will be a strong communicator with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional team members and external RM suppliers, while providing insights of new competitive launches, new industry technologies and ingredients. The Associate Manager will act as a true team player in driving strategic business objectives for the fresh brand.
The ideal candidate has a passion for beauty, with a clear point of view on product experience as both a consumer and a dreamer. They are highly tuned-in to competitive activity and remain committed to the values of science and sustainability. They are a "blue-sky" thinker with a willingness to learn, and they prioritize creativity and innovation to deliver one-of-a-kind products with richly meaningful experiences.
Job DescriptionJOB RESPONSIBILITIES- Work closely with Director, PI, to manage the execution of projects with R&D ensuring key milestones for product development are reached on time in full.
- Support Director, PI in defining testing needs and creating questionnaires, and manage product testing execution (safety, efficacy, consumer panels, etc.) and timing associated
- Write and publish with Director, PI detailed Product Profiles: defining full concept, product features, benefits/claims, and keys ingredients and present it along with the product to Marketing and Creative teams
- Manage the reformulation of products in line with company strategy & regulations.
- Work closely with Director, PI, to manage the ideation and search for new ingredients with R&D and external RM suppliers. Manage new ingredient database.
- Keep a pulse on the beauty industry by monitoring competitive product innovation, ingredient technologies, claims, and emerging marketing and communication trends.
- Work closely with Director, PI, R&D, Project Management and Operations teams to review all timelines for accuracy and to adapt as needed per project to ensure launches are kept on target.
- Prepare and manage product briefs for review with R&D to finalize concepts, research and define the products feasibility and development parameters.
- Be an active participant in the ideation of new product concepts, defining benchmarks and conducting research as needed to support new product concepts.
- Track all product submissions and approvals. Work closely with VP and Director, PI to evaluate formula submissions and provide feedback and re-directs to R&D.
- Attend bi-weekly briefing sessions with cross-functional teams to closely track development progress and calendar launch plans.
- Work closely with packaging team to help develop packaging options in sync with formula/texture.
- Work closely with Regulatory and Legal teams to ensure compliance of product formula and claims for existing and emerging new markets.
- Participate in reviewing copy for packaging, marketing collateral and training materials for Storytelling, Marketing & Education needs.
What you will learn in the first 6 months:
- Gain an understanding of fresh product development process to track appropriate information and ensure key dates are met according to the timeline.
- Build knowledge of the full fresh portfolio including textures, ingredients, and claims.
- Build relationships with key cross-functional partners: R&1, Marketing Strategy, Analytics, Marketing Communications, Packaging Development, Project Management, Storytelling, Design, & Regulatory.
What you will achieve in 12 months:
- Develop full understanding of fresh product development process, key documents, & timelines.
- Support the creation of key documents related to new product development.
- Present product innovation to cross-functional partners
- Perfect product evaluation skills.
- Actively participate in team brainstorming & ideation sessions for new launches, partnering with co-founders.
QualificationsPROFILEYou have:
- 3-5+ Years of Experience in in Cosmetic Product Development; experience in skincare is a must
- Experience working day to day with R&D to discuss technical details of formulation. Personal experience in formulation is a plus.
- Good understanding of the cosmetic industry and regulatory environment.
- Demonstrates broad and in-depth knowledge of skincare ingredients is a plus.
- Strong organization and planning skills with attention to detail
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, with internal partners and external vendors; ability to translate high-science into consumer-friendly language a plus
- Experience working in or strong knowledge of the Asian markets is a plus
- Strong analytical skills & effective presentation building ability. Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
- Passion for Product - trends, ingredients, textures, claims, & sustainability, with a willingness to learn.
- Demonstrates curiosity and an open mindset to identify new sources of inspiration to support product innovation
- Occasional travel.
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree; preferred focus on sciences, marketing, or other related fields. Graduate degree is a plus
Additional InformationWHAT WE OFFER YOUTraining & Development and Culture- Fresh and LVMH Sponsored Trainings and Workshops for Personal and Professional Development
- Opportunities for networking and building relationships with LVMH Community and Network
- Opportunities to join internal communities: DEIB Council, Sustainability Champions, LVMH Employee Resource Groups
Mental Health Support- Free professional consultation, referrals and counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free 24/7 confidential mental health support
Paid Time Off and Flexibility- Flexible paid time off policy inclusive of Summer Fridays
Fertility and Family Planning- Fertility Services, Maternity and Newborn Support, Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance, including cryopreservation when part of fertility treatment
- Paid Parental Leave (Inclusive of Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Surrogacy) at eligibility
- Travel & lodging for those who can't access care
- Back-up dependent Care and Tutoring
Fresh and LVMH 'Perks' and Discounts- Fresh In-Store Discounts and Gratis
- LVMH Group Friends and Family Sales across all divisions within LVMH: Wines and Spirits, Watches and Jewelry, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Fashion and Leather Goods, etc.
- Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits through Wage Works
- Additional Health Club Discounts, Sporting/Entertainment Ticket Discounts, Insurance Discounts (Pet, renters, home)
Health Care- Medical, dental and vision
Retirement and Additional Benefits- 401k with Company Match + Additional Employer Contribution at eligibility
The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $105,000 USD.
This role is based in New York, NY.