Associate Manager, Product Innovation

WHO WE ARE

fresh is a global skincare brand within the LVMH Group, headquartered in New York City. We emphasize the look, feel, and scent in every product, transforming skincare into an elevated, sensual experience. Our collection of skincare, lip care, bodycare, and fragrances are available in 16 countries, across our fresh boutiques and digital channels, specialty and department stores, and more.

We are an organization of curious creators who embrace innovation, optimism, and always keep our customers at the forefront. With a pioneering spirit, we are empowered to challenge the status quo and use our authentic voice to do the right thing for our people, our brand, and the environment.

Here at fresh, we intentionally foster a spirit of belonging. We celebrate our diversity and support every employee to feel welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. By embracing curiosity and collaboration, we recognize that our differences strengthen us.

MAIN JOB OBJECTIVE

The Associate Manager, Product Innovation, will support the development of skincare, lip care, body care and fragrance new launches and reformulations, tracking key milestones on a day-to-day basis to stay within allotted timelines. Reporting to the Director, Product Innovation, the Associate Manager will actively participate in ideation, research, evaluation, development, and follow-through of these projects. The Associate Manager will be a strong communicator with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional team members and external RM suppliers, while providing insights of new competitive launches, new industry technologies and ingredients. The Associate Manager will act as a true team player in driving strategic business objectives for the fresh brand.

The ideal candidate has a passion for beauty, with a clear point of view on product experience as both a consumer and a dreamer. They are highly tuned-in to competitive activity and remain committed to the values of science and sustainability. They are a “blue-sky” thinker with a willingness to learn, and they prioritize creativity and innovation to deliver one-of-a-kind products with richly meaningful experiences.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with Director, PI, to manage the execution of projects with R&D ensuring key milestones for product development are reached on time in full.
• Support Director, PI in defining testing needs and creating questionnaires, and manage product testing execution (safety, efficacy, consumer panels, etc.) and timing associated
• Write and publish with Director, PI detailed Product Profiles: defining full concept, product features, benefits/claims, and keys ingredients and present it along with the product to Marketing and Creative teams
• Manage the reformulation of products in line with company strategy & regulations.
• Work closely with Director, PI, to manage the ideation and search for new ingredients with R&D and external RM suppliers. Manage new ingredient database.
• Keep a pulse on the beauty industry by monitoring competitive product innovation, ingredient technologies, claims, and emerging marketing and communication trends.
• Work closely with Director, PI, R&D, Project Management and Operations teams to review all timelines for accuracy and to adapt as needed per project to ensure launches are kept on target.
• Prepare and manage product briefs for review with R&D to finalize concepts, research and define the products feasibility and development parameters.
• Be an active participant in the ideation of new product concepts, defining benchmarks and conducting research as needed to support new product concepts.
• Track all product submissions and approvals. Work closely with VP and Director, PI to evaluate formula submissions and provide feedback and re-directs to R&D.
• Attend bi-weekly briefing sessions with cross-functional teams to closely track development progress and calendar launch plans.
• Work closely with packaging team to help develop packaging options in sync with formula/texture.
• Work closely with Regulatory and Legal teams to ensure compliance of product formula and claims for existing and emerging new markets.
• Participate in reviewing copy for packaging, marketing collateral and training materials for Storytelling, Marketing & Education needs.

What you will learn in the first 6 months:

• Gain an understanding of fresh product development process to track appropriate information and ensure key dates are met according to the timeline.
• Build knowledge of the full fresh portfolio including textures, ingredients, and claims.
• Build relationships with key cross-functional partners: R&1, Marketing Strategy, Analytics, Marketing Communications, Packaging Development, Project Management, Storytelling, Design, & Regulatory.

What you will achieve in 12 months:

• Develop full understanding of fresh product development process, key documents, & timelines.
• Support the creation of key documents related to new product development.
• Present product innovation to cross-functional partners
• Perfect product evaluation skills.
• Actively participate in team brainstorming & ideation sessions for new launches, partnering with co-founders.

PROFILE

You have:

• 3-5+ Years of Experience in in Cosmetic Product Development; experience in skincare is a must
• Experience working day to day with R&D to discuss technical details of formulation. Personal experience in formulation is a plus.
• Good understanding of the cosmetic industry and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrates broad and in-depth knowledge of skincare ingredients is a plus.
• Strong organization and planning skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, with internal partners and external vendors; ability to translate high-science into consumer-friendly language a plus
• Experience working in or strong knowledge of the Asian markets is a plus
• Strong analytical skills & effective presentation building ability. Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
• Passion for Product – trends, ingredients, textures, claims, & sustainability, with a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrates curiosity and an open mindset to identify new sources of inspiration to support product innovation
• Occasional travel.
• Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree; preferred focus on sciences, marketing, or other related fields. Graduate degree is a plus

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Training & Development and Culture

• Fresh and LVMH Sponsored Trainings and Workshops for Personal and Professional Development
• Opportunities for networking and building relationships with LVMH Community and Network
• Opportunities to join internal communities: DEIB Council, Sustainability Champions, LVMH Employee Resource Groups

Mental Health Support

• Free professional consultation, referrals and counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free 24/7 confidential mental health support

Paid Time Off and Flexibility

• Flexible paid time off policy inclusive of Summer Fridays

Fertility and Family Planning

• Fertility Services, Maternity and Newborn Support, Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance, including cryopreservation when part of fertility treatment
• Paid Parental Leave (Inclusive of Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Surrogacy) at eligibility
• Travel & lodging for those who can’t access care
• Back-up dependent Care and Tutoring

Fresh and LVMH ‘Perks’ and Discounts

• Fresh In-Store Discounts and Gratis
• LVMH Group Friends and Family Sales across all divisions within LVMH: Wines and Spirits, Watches and Jewelry, Perfumes and Cosmetics, Fashion and Leather Goods, etc.
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits through Wage Works
• Additional Health Club Discounts, Sporting/Entertainment Ticket Discounts, Insurance Discounts (Pet, renters, home)

Health Care

• Medical, dental and vision

Retirement and Additional Benefits

• 401k with Company Match + Additional Employer Contribution at eligibility

Fresh provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws. We are committed to fostering a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on all protected categories.

The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $105,000 USD.

This role is based in New York, NY.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.