Cosmetic Product Development/ Project Manager

Bayport Laboratories – Houston, TX (100% on-site)

About the role

The Product Development / Project Manager is responsible for managing turnkey product development projects for client brands, with a strong focus on formula development, cross-functional coordination, and timely project execution. This role serves as a key liaison between clients, internal teams, and external partners to ensure project objectives, timelines, and quality standards are consistently met. While packaging design and procurement remain client-owned responsibilities, the Product Development / Project Manager evaluates formula–packaging compatibility and provides informed guidance throughout the development process.

Responsibilities

• Manage client-facing projects from concept through production, ensuring all formula development and compatibility milestones are met.
• Oversee multiple, complex projects simultaneously, maintaining alignment with timelines, cost targets, and client expectations.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, coordinating communication between internal teams and external suppliers.
• Lead regular status meetings with clients and stakeholders to provide updates, address risks, and resolve issues promptly.
• Partner with R&D to guide formula development, ensuring products meet performance goals, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.
• Review formula and packaging submissions to assess material stability, functionality, and overall compatibility, offering recommendations as needed.
• Monitor and enforce project timelines to ensure on-time execution and delivery.
• Support development across multiple categories, including color cosmetics, skincare, and haircare, ensuring quality and innovation.
• Work closely with QA, Regulatory, Operations, and Sales to coordinate development milestones and ensure seamless project flow.
• Identify and troubleshoot risks related to formula-packaging interaction, manufacturability, or supply chain constraints.
• Facilitate strong internal and external partnerships to keep projects aligned and moving forward.
• Collaborate with and support the broader Product Development & Project Management team, contributing to a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Assist in process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and consistency across client programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Chemistry, Marketing, Product Development, or a related field; Project Management Certification.
• 5–10+ years of experience in product development or project management within the beauty, personal care, or consumer goods sectors; contract manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle product development with an emphasis on formula development.
• Experience coordinating with contract manufacturers and external suppliers is beneficial.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information.
• Independent, resourceful, and capable of sound problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Analytical abilities, including data-driven decision-making and workflow optimization.
• High level of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong judgment and timely decision-making.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Wrike) preferred but not required.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for advancement