Assistant Manager, Product Development

HOURGLASS COSMETICS — Assistant Manager, Product Development (Hybrid Role) 

Connected by creativity and driven by purpose. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, redefining luxury cosmetics with high-performance products, innovative formulas, and award-winning franchises. Recognized by Forbes, Fast Company and Time Magazine as one of the most inventive beauty companies, Hourglass leads the industry with its breakthrough products and its commitment to animal welfare. Founded in 2004, Hourglass is globally available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors including Sephora, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Space NK and more. Hourglass became part of the Unilever Prestige division in 2017. Discover more about the Hourglass brand story and mission on our website hourglasscosmetics.com.

We're 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.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• 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

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF YOU ARE:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about beauty: You love discovering new products and stay on top of the competitive landscape, brands, and trends
• Curious and interested in product development: You ask questions, dig for insights, and are eager to build deep expertise in cosmetics development
• Organized and detail-oriented: You stay organized, follow through, manage details carefully, and can prioritize across a variety of assignments. 
• Confident communicator: You are proactive, clear, and comfortable interfacing with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Motivated by a challenge: You are adaptable, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and willing to bring ideas to the table

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

The expected base salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 per year. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget.

This position is also eligible for participation in the company discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results.

In addition to base salary, Hourglass Cosmetics offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including 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, and more.

Hourglass is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive its business results and to create a better future every day for its diverse employees, global consumers, partners and communities. If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodation in order to apply for a job listing, please contact us at 310-392-7799 or [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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