Product Development Associate

The Product Development Associate will be the handson eyes and ears in India for our beauty product development. Once samples arrive in India, this person will manage their distribution, collect feedback (written, photo, video), support quality checks, and keep a pulse on beauty trends in the Indian market. They will serve as the bridge between factories / sample labs / teams in India and the Head of Product Development.

Role & responsibilities

Sample Handling & Logistics

• Receive, inspect, catalog, and store incoming samples.
• Distribute samples to relevant stakeholders (QC, R&D, marketing, influencers etc.).
• Track sample status (received, tested, approved/rejected, revisions) and maintain records.

Feedback Collection & Coordination

• Coordinate and collect feedback from multiple sources: internal (team members) and external (if possible).
• Ensure feedback includes written observations + high quality photos + videos where applicable.
• Consolidate feedback into clear, organized reports and send them in timely fashion.

Administrative & Process Support

• Maintain sample libraries / records: track what'ss been tested, versions, approvals.
• Assist in scheduling sample deliveries, costings, vendor follow-ups.
• Support in packaging / labelling checks.
• Ensure all documentation is complete, filed properly.

QC Oversight

• Assess sample appearance: colour, texture/formulation, packaging finish etc., against expected specifications.
• Identify defects or deviations and flag them.

Trend Monitoring & Insights

• Stay updated on beauty trends in India: formulations, shades, finishes, packaging, influencer preferences, market demands.
• Regularly report trend insights, competitive product launches, consumer behaviour signals.

Cross-functional Communication

• Be a liaison between Indian office to vendors/manufacturers, labs, and the remote Head of PD. Participate in virtual meetings, update schedules, ensure action items are followed up.
• Help with documentation, tech-packs or sample briefs when needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor's degree in Cosmetics Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field or equivalent experience in beauty / cosmetics product development.
• Strong attention to detail especially visual/aesthetic detail (colour, finish, texture etc.).
• Good communication skills (written & verbal), especially to clearly document feedback with photos/videos.
• Ability to manage sample logistics, coordinate with multiple internal & external stakeholders.
• Passion for beauty / cosmetics, good visual sense; familiarity with ingredients, formulations and basic QC concepts.
• Comfortable using common productivity tools (e-mail, spreadsheets, perhaps sample tracking tools or PLM if applicable).
• Organized, reliable, able to work autonomously with remote guidance.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience working with vendors/manufacturers.
• Knowledge of recent Indian beauty / skincare / makeup trends, influencers etc. 
• Understanding of regulatory requirements in India for cosmetics.
• Familiarity with packaging design, printing, material finishes.