Product Development, Project Manager
Company: Rizos Curls
Department: Product Development
Reports To: Director of Product Development
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: In Office Hybrid - Studio City, CA
Position Summary:
The Product Development Project Manager supports the Director of Product Development in executing all phases of product innovation and development from concept through launch. This role is responsible for coordinating operational workflows, managing product development timelines, and ensuring effective cross-functional collaboration between internal teams and external partners.
Core Responsibilities
Product Development Management
- Manage the product formula development lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
- Support the development of new product initiatives including formulation, testing, packaging, and regulatory processes.
- Prepare internal formula profiles, product development briefs, and external laboratory briefs.
- Participate in product innovation discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Product Development Operations
- Oversee daily operational activities related to product development including supply management, sample organization, submission tracking, shipping, and competitive product sourcing.
- Manage the distribution of formula submissions to internal teams and external partners.
- Track evaluation feedback and communicate updates to third-party contract manufacturers.
- Maintain organized documentation and project tracking systems.
Project Management & Coordination
- Track development milestones and ensure timelines are met across product development initiatives.
- Communicate project status updates during weekly product development meetings.
- Coordinate scheduling and preparation for bi-monthly innovation meetings.
- Assist in preparing agendas and documenting meeting notes for weekly R&D meetings.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate communication with internal teams including marketing, regulatory, operations, packaging, and creative.
- Manage vendor communications and requests throughout the development process.
- Assist with the copy development process including creation of master copy worksheets.
- Manage artwork review, routing, and release approvals.
Testing & Regulatory Coordination
- Manage safety and clinical testing samples, ensuring shipment to third-party testing facilities.
- Track study start dates, testing timelines, and receipt of final reports.
- Manage regulatory documentation and ensure Product Information Files (PIFs) are completed after formula approvals.
- Audit and review existing PIFs to ensure documentation completeness.
Production & Quality Oversight
- Manage production and laboratory standards during product development.
- Oversee bulk approvals for new product launches and ongoing product production.
- Ensure internal documentation and development records remain current and accurate.
Market & Innovation Research
- Conduct trend research, ingredient innovation research, and competitive analysis.
- Provide insights to support future product development opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in product development within the beauty, haircare, skincare, or cosmetic industries.
- Experience working with product development timelines, regulatory processes, and vendor partners.
- Strong organizational, project management, and documentation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and spreadsheet management.
Key Competencies
- Project and timeline management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Operational organization and process management
- Problem solving and proactive communication
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to work in a hybrid environment depending on business needs.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Daily shipping, receiving, and handling of product samples.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. It also reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered, as detailed description of all the work required inherent in the job. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and it is subject to changes and exceptions at the supervisors’ discretion.
Rizos Curls LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
