Manager, Product Development - Proprietary Brands

Job Summary:

Bluemercury is experiencing significant growth with its Proprietary Brands business and continues to expand its product lines. We are seeking an experienced Product Development Manager to join our dynamic, fast-paced team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the new product development process from concept to launch, as well as support efforts to maintain our existing product portfolio. The PD Manager will work in close synergy with cross-functional teams, including external suppliers, operations, marketing and creative to assist in the creation of new products that support the Lune+Aster color cosmetics brand strategy. You are highly collaborative, action oriented, and have an ability to think creatively with a passion for day-to-day execution. The perfect candidate is someone who not only loves beauty but is obsessed with wanting to disrupt the category and make a bold statement through our approach to launching breakthrough, cult-favorite products!

Key Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Director of Product Development to recommend innovation launches for product pipeline and bring to life product concepts and managing a successful product life. 
• Manages the Lune+Aster rebrand with internal and agency teams, keeping everyone on track and considering the below for timing:
• Reorders, Sales, Inventory, Write-offs, Portfolio Reviews, New Packaging, New Testing (Compat + Claims), New Formulations
• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, consumer needs, and competitive products, as well as industry newness in ingredients, packaging and testing. 
• Develop innovative product concepts and ensure they align with the brand’s vision and market demands.
• Create comprehensive product briefs that outline product specifications, target audience, unique selling points, and competitive positioning. Retain and manage product submissions and reorders. 
• Identify and collaborate with packaging suppliers to develop aesthetically pleasing and functional packaging solutions.
• Ensure packaging meets brand standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and oversee product testing phases, including stability, safety, and performance testing.
• Work closely with regulatory quality assurance teams to ensure products meet all safety and efficacy standards.
• Ensure all products comply with relevant cosmetic regulations and standards in various markets.
• Maintain thorough documentation and manage regulatory submissions.
• Work in tandem with the marketing team to develop compelling product stories and launch strategies. Manage product briefs for Marketing, naming and sell-sheets, and prepare information needed for store/vendor trainings. 
• Provide product knowledge and insights to support marketing campaigns and initiatives.
• Manage project timelines and ensure all milestones are met from product conception to launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including design, operations/procurement, marketing, and sales.
• Work with operations closely on COGs, pricing and budget, driving revenue and year-over-year growth with strong, margin accretive product launches. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Act as the owner for calls regarding new development and managing suppliers by staying on top of action items and follow-ups. 
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor performance.
• Create strong relationships with the Store Team for field feedback, testing and collaborating when stores are in need of support. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4+ years color cosmetic product development experience 
• Experience managing the entire product lifecycle, with proven track record of successful product launches and lifecycle management. 
• Excellent project management skills and understanding of Adobe Workfront
• Strong knowledge of the prestige color cosmetic market and expert understanding of product application/performance
• Knowledgeable about ingredients and formulations, and familiar with regulatory requirements for cosmetic products
• Exceptionally detail oriented and strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Innovative and creative thinker, with strong attention for detail
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Customer-first mindset, experience with retail is a plus
• Professional written and verbal communication skills (within email, excel – analyzing data, PowerPoint – deck creation)
• Ability to work effectively in teams, and independently 
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Ambitious, self-motivated, self-directed, with the ability to work within tight deadlines that involve many products in development simultaneously

Company Overview:

Bluemercury is widely recognized as the nation’s largest and fastest growing luxury beauty products and spa retail chain. An entrepreneurial company founded to revolutionize the purchase of cosmetics, our focus is on the needs of our clients. Bluemercury offers a thoughtfully curated selection of luxury brands in a neighborhood store environment where expertly trained staff provide personalized product advice and targeted spa services. 

Now in its 20th year, Bluemercury is aggressively expanding its store footprint, ecommerce operations and brand portfolio. Bluemercury stores have over 90 of the most coveted beauty brands from leaders such as La Mer, Trish McEvoy, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Chanel, to cult favorites such as Jo Malone, NARS, Skinceuticals, Kiehl's, M-61, Oribe, Dermalogica, Fresh, La Prairie and Darphin. 

Bluemercury continues to expand across the United States, bringing our honest, friendly expertise to beauty junkies and product enthusiasts across the nation. Come join us!

This job description is not all inclusive. Bluemercury, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Bluemercury, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.