Assistant Product Development Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Australian Gold is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Assistant Product Development Manager to support the development and ongoing management of skincare and beauty products. We are hiring for opportunities supporting our retail and indoor beauty portfolios, with product categories and brand responsibilities determined by the assigned position.

This role combines creative product development with hands-on project coordination, helping turn consumer insights, emerging trends, and brand opportunities into successful products. Working closely with the Product Development Manager, the Assistant Product Development Manager supports the entire product lifecycle—from concept, formulation, and packaging through launch, product improvements, and discontinuation.

The ideal candidate has a strong interest in skincare and beauty, an eye for consumer trends, and the organizational skills to keep multiple projects moving. This position collaborates with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to deliver products that meet brand, quality, timing, and cost expectations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Concepts & Innovation

• Research skincare, beauty, sun care, and tanning trends, including emerging ingredients, packaging, product formats, and consumer preferences.
• Review competitive products, customer feedback, and market activity to identify opportunities for new products and improvements.
• Contribute ideas for product concepts, benefits, positioning, names, and line extensions.
• Prepare product briefs and concept presentations that outline the target consumer, formula direction, packaging, competitive differentiation, and desired launch timing.
• Participate in development discussions and provide thoughtful recommendations aligned with brand strategy.

Product Development & Sample Evaluation

• Support formula and packaging development from initial brief through final approval and production readiness.
• Coordinate with R&D to request samples, track revisions, and consolidate feedback on texture, fragrance, appearance, performance, and the overall consumer experience.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to obtain and evaluate packaging samples, components, specifications, and cost information.
• Assist with product naming, benefit statements, label copy, and product descriptions in collaboration with the appropriate teams.
• Route formulas, packaging, artwork, claims, and supporting documentation through established review and approval processes.
• Track required testing and documentation with R&D, Regulatory, and Quality, including category-specific requirements for assigned products.
• Take responsibility for assigned development projects and workstreams under the direction of the Product Development Manager.

Project Coordination & Launch Execution

• Maintain accurate development timelines, project trackers, sample logs, and approval records.
• Coordinate deliverables across departments and follow up with project owners to keep milestones on schedule.
• Prepare meeting agendas, document decisions, and track action items through completion.
• Communicate project status, flag potential delays, and help resolve issues affecting timing, cost, or product readiness.
• Support launch preparation by coordinating final product details, approved copy, samples, training information, and other required materials.
• Keep stakeholders informed of product changes and launch updates.

Product Lifecycle & Portfolio Support

• Support the ongoing management of existing products, including formula updates, packaging refreshes, assortment changes, and line extensions.
• Compile sales information, customer feedback, and competitive findings to support product performance reviews.
• Help identify opportunities to improve product relevance, consumer experience, and commercial performance.
• Coordinate approved product changes and maintain accurate records of revisions.
• Assist with product transitions and discontinuations, working with internal teams to understand inventory and packaging implications.
• Capture lessons from development projects and launches to improve future execution.

Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration

• Maintain clear, timely communication with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Coordinate routine supplier communication, sample requests, revisions, and development follow-ups.
• Gather quotes, lead times, minimum order quantities, and specifications to support development decisions.
• Track product and packaging costs against established targets and flag potential changes.
• Build effective working relationships that support timely decisions and project completion.

Product Knowledge & Brand Support

• Develop a strong understanding of assigned brands, product portfolios, ingredients, benefits, and target consumers.
• Assist in creating product presentations, sales training materials, launch communications, and internal reference documents.
• Support customer presentations, trade show preparation, and product education as needed.
• Ensure product information reflects approved positioning, claims, and messaging.

Documentation & Quality

• Maintain organized, accurate product briefs, development files, specifications, approvals, and project records.
• Follow applicable current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and company quality policies relevant to assigned products.
• Support documented procedures associated with ISO 22716:2007, as applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality of formulas, product concepts, launch plans, pricing, and other sensitive business information.
• Travel as needed for supplier meetings, industry events, customer presentations, and brand initiatives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. The role coordinates project tasks and follow-ups across internal teams and external partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, product development, cosmetic science, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Two or more years of experience in product development, product coordination, brand support, or a related role preferred, ideally within skincare, beauty, sun care, cosmetics, or personal care.
• Strong interest in consumer trends, ingredients, packaging, and the product development process.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate product samples and communicate clear, specific feedback.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when reviewing product information, packaging, artwork, and documentation.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, follow through on commitments, and proactively raise questions or concerns.
• Comfort working with costs, percentages, spreadsheets, and basic product performance data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook; familiarity with project management systems and Adobe Acrobat is a plus.
• Experience with retail products, indoor tanning and beauty products, or OTC sunscreen development is a plus, depending on the assigned portfolio.
• Ability to work on-site in Indianapolis every workday and travel as business needs require.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in our Indianapolis office and involves regular collaboration with product development, laboratory, and manufacturing teams. The noise level in the office environment is generally moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Assigned projects move forward with clear timelines, accurate documentation, and consistent follow-through.
• Product ideas reflect consumer needs, current trends, and brand positioning.
• Samples, revisions, and approvals are organized and completed on schedule.
• Internal teams receive accurate product information and timely updates.
• New launches and existing product changes are supported with attention to detail and accountability.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires you to work onsite in the office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Are you located in the area or able to relocate?
• What are your wage expectations for this position?
• What experience do you have coordinating customer accounts, product development projects, or private label programs?

Work Location: In person