Manager of Product Development

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Rare Beauty, based in El Segundo, aims to break down unrealistic standards of perfection. Here at Rare Beauty, we place purpose and social impact at the heart of everything we do—from the products we make to the community we create. We empower our team and our community to challenge beauty norms by shaping positive conversations about self-acceptance and mental health. We promote self-acceptance and give people the tools they need to feel less alone in the world. Our mission is to help everyone celebrate their individuality by redefining what beautiful means. We take pride in offering best-in-class benefits, with medical monthly premiums covered by the Company at 100%, employee certification in mental health first aid at work, regular wellness activities, a quarterly makeup stipend, and much more!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Product Development, reporting to the VP of Product Development will be responsible for driving the concept-to-launch process for new seasonal product launches. This role supports the ideation process for Product Development by studying and segmenting the market, and sharing new ideas and customer needs to help stimulate new product ideas that tie back to our founder’s vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive day-to-day development of new color cosmetic, body care, and merch launches. Manage existing product reformulations or tech transfers
• Oversee the physical wear and test of formula and color submissions from subcontractors and provide feedback that fits the project brief
• Identify new short-term and long-term opportunities through competitive analysis, industry sales, and sales data
• Drive & contribute ideas on products for formula, shade and packaging and shades for all product segments
• Support the development of long-term innovation roadmap by identifying innovation opportunities in line with strategic properties
• Develop efficacious and differentiated formulas by working closely with sub-contractors and R&D
• Responsible for the creation of briefs (New Product, Claims and Fixture Copy)
• Works closely with the Visual Merchandise and Creative Team to ensure all product swatches and graphics are consistent and accurate across all mediums, including digital, print and gondolas/displays
• Manage and enforce timelines for new product launches and follow critical milestones from product initiation to production, and launch
• Collaborate with Marketing and Education Teams to define product copy and descriptions, product claims, and application tips
• Develop working relationships with cross functional teams and vendors to meet launch deadlines
• Provide support to team members in development process and achieving deadlines
• Lead meetings with cross functional teams, highlighting project status and risk
• Attends industry conferences and lectures to keep abreast of new product and packaging directions and trends
• Research and evaluate new and bestselling competitive products
• Establish and maintain close relationships with vendors – responsible for coordinating and attending innovation presentations
• Partner with R&I team to research new raw materials and ingredients to introduce into new development
• Assist in defining comprehensive testing strategy and protocols through the product development process, orchestrate internal and external testing panel groups for all new launches
• Must be willing to travel both domestically and internationally to manufacturers for on-site approvals
• Other tasks as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 4 years work experience in product development and project management within a retail or brand environment
• Experience in package development a plus
• Passion for the beauty category
• Excellent physical and digital organization skills
• Proficient knowledge of supply chain and COG margins
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to multi-task and manage complexity
• Ability to collaborate with cross functional teams to develop creative solutions in dynamic and changing business environment
• Team player mentality with an innovative and strategic mindset
• Passion to learn the technical elements of product development including manufacturing and cosmetic formulation
• Strong sense of urgency, ability to manage details while responding to changing priorities and feedback
• Entrepreneurial & creative spirit, with a team-player attitude

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Domestic and international travel