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