Assistant Manager, Product Development

Assistant Manager, Product DevelopmentWest Hollywood, CA (Hybrid)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.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 DO:Support and manage multiple product development projects end-to-end with guidance from the Director, owning milestones, timelines, and deliverables from concept through commercializationMaintain the development calendar and critical path across projects, proactively tracking against shifting launch dates and flagging risks to timeline or scopeOversee formula and shade submissions from contract manufacturers – organizing, evaluating, logging, and providing clear, actionable feedbackConduct in-depth evaluation of formulas and shades, assessing texture, payoff, performance, and overall product experienceDevelop and refine product briefs in partnership with cross-functional teams, ensuring clarity in objectives, positioning, and technical requirementsMaintain and support the evolution of a comprehensive library of formulations, shade ranges, and competitive benchmarksPartner cross-functionally with Marketing, Project Management, Packaging, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations to support seamless product development and successful launchesEnsure accuracy and completeness of product specifications, shade standards, and all development documentationIdentify quality or performance discrepancies, support root-cause investigations, and collaborate on timely resolutionPrepare and deliver product reviews, presentations, and development updates to internal stakeholdersParticipate in vendor meetings and support external partner relationshipsYOU'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 trendsCurious and interested in product development: You ask questions, dig for insights, and are eager to build deep expertise in cosmetics developmentOrganized 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 tableQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, ideally in the beauty industryMinimum 3 years of experience in beauty, working in product development, preferably in color cosmeticsStrong passion for makeup and excitement for participating in the product creation processStrong eye for formula, color, and overall product experienceCurious and creative thinkerSelf-starter who takes initiative and works independentlyStrong attention to detail and follow-throughExcellent time and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple assignments and prioritize effectivelyHighly adaptable with a proactive, problem-solving mindsetAnalytical with strong presentation and communication skills (verbal, written, interpersonal)Proficient in MS Office, project management software, and survey toolsAbility to travel for shade matching, pilot or production approvals, and trade shows, as neededMust be able to work from Corporate Office at least 60% of the timeThe 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.