Product Development Manager – Makeup

Product Development Manager – Makeup

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative makeup products from concept to launch.
  • Company: Join Tropic, a fast-growing beauty brand with a mission for sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, wellness support, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of beauty with impactful products.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in makeup product development and strong project management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

About The Role

Tropic is on an exciting journey to expand its award‑winning beauty portfolio into makeup.

With our first launches underway and an ambitious pipeline of innovation ahead, we’re looking for an experienced Product Development Manager – Makeup to take ownership of the end‑to‑end product development process and ensure projects are delivered successfully from concept through to launch.

This is a highly collaborative role that combines product development, project management and cross‑functional leadership.

You’ll work closely with our Founder, Product Innovation, R&D, Operations, Marketing and our lab to keep multiple development projects moving, balancing creativity with commercial priorities, timelines and quality.

As the central point of coordination for our makeup development pipeline, you’ll ensure products are delivered on time, within budget and to the exceptionally high standards Tropic is known for.

You’ll also support the development process and help to bring innovative, high‑performing products to market.

As the category continues to grow, you’ll play an important role in shaping ways of working, strengthening supplier partnerships and contributing to the long‑term success of Tropic’s makeup portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the end‑to‑end development of multiple makeup products, from concept approval through to commercial launch.
  • Create and maintain detailed project plans in Asana, ensuring milestones, actions, risks and dependencies are accurately tracked while coordinating cross‑functional teams across Product Innovation, R&D, Packaging, Operations, Supply Chain and Marketing.
  • Own the critical path for all makeup development projects, ensuring risks, dependencies and decisions are identified early and managed proactively to deliver successful launches.
  • Lead the development of primary and secondary packaging, working closely with the Design team, suppliers and manufacturers.

Manage tooling, component sourcing, artwork approvals and packaging specifications, while building strong supplier relationships to ensure commercially viable, brand‑aligned and launch‑ready solutions.

  • Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs) and commercial terms with packaging suppliers to achieve the best balance of innovation, quality and value.
  • Oversee formulation development, product testing and evaluations to ensure products meet Tropic’s high standards for quality, performance and customer experience.
  • Champion innovation across formulations, textures, shades, packaging and ingredients while keeping up to date with market trends and competitor activity.
  • Partner with R&D to ensure products meet UK and international cosmetic compliance requirements.
  • Support testing programmes, claims substantiation and launch readiness activities.
  • Prepare and communicate project updates, timelines, budgets and recommendations to key stakeholders and senior leaders.
  • Continuously review and improve product development processes, implementing best practices to build a scalable, efficient and commercially successful makeup development function.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced product development environment and enjoys bringing complex projects together through excellent organisation, collaboration and attention to detail.

  • You’ll Bring
  • At least 5 years' experience in makeup product development or cosmetic product management.
  • Proven experience managing the end‑to‑end development and launch of makeup products.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities.
  • Experience using project management software (ideally Asana) to manage projects, timelines and cross‑functional workflows.
  • Experience leading packaging development, including tooling, supplier management, artwork approvals and commercial negotiations.
  • Experience working with formulation laboratories, manufacturers and packaging suppliers.
  • Excellent organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across multiple teams.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience balancing innovation, quality, timelines and cost to deliver commercially successful products.
  • A passion for makeup, beauty innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Desirable

  • A recognised Project Management qualification (such as PRINCE2, Agile, APM or equivalent).
  • Experience working within premium beauty or cosmetics brands.
  • Knowledge of UK and international cosmetic regulations.
  • Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members.

What We Offer

  • Employment Type: Full‑time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
  • Location: Tropic HQ is a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram Stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon.
  • Hybrid Working: Enjoy a blend of office (4 days) and remote (1 day) working.
  • Salary: Competitive.
  • Benefits: Generous annual leave, 24/7 wellbeing support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (available after a qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, wellbeing treats, on‑site parking and a Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Start Date: Immediate.
  • About Tropic

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic Skincare as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills.

She sold out on her first day, and the incredible response made her realise she had started something quite special.

We still sell that iconic body scrub, and it sits alongside an extensive range of award‑winning skincare and beauty products that have made us one of the UK's fastest‑growing beauty businesses.

Our brand is certified vegan, cruelty‑free and Carbon Neutral®, and our infinite purpose is to create a healthier, greener, more empowered world.

And that's where you come in!

We’re looking for creative and ambitious people who share our vision and get excited about beauty that's both innovative and sustainable.

If you're passionate about beauty and have a genuine desire to empower communities across the globe, you could be a great fit.

Tropic's Commitment to Equal Opportunities

Our team is as diverse as it is talented because at Tropic, we go the extra mile to cultivate a culture of respect and belonging.

We value every candidate, respect protected characteristics and never discriminate.

We also provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process, so if this is something you need, please let our Recruitment team know at the earliest opportunity.

Ultimately, the most important thing for us is hiring the best person for the job.

We focus on skills, experience and qualifications to ensure our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and provides every candidate with a positive experience.

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Product Development Manager – Makeup employer: No.4 Design Company Limited

No.4 Design Company Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that values accuracy and efficiency in the fast-paced environment of night shift operations. Employees benefit from private medical insurance, a product allowance, and the unique advantage of a dog-friendly workplace, fostering a sense of community and well-being. With opportunities for growth and development within the logistics sector, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

No.4 Design Company Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager – Makeup

Join Product Management Meetups

Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like No.4 Design Company Limited!

Show Off Your Product Sense

Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at No.4 Design Company Limited would be by your initiative!

Utilise Online Communities

Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.

Leverage Your University Network

If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at No.4 Design Company Limited through your school's career services!

We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager – Makeup

Product Development
Project Management
Cross-Functional Leadership
Packaging Development
Supplier Management
Formulation Development
Market Trend Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Development Manager – Makeup, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!

Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!

Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.

Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Development Manager – Makeup position at No.4 Design Company Limited. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!

How to prepare for a job interview at No.4 Design Company Limited

Understand the Product Life Cycle

As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.

Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills

Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.

Prepare for Case Studies

In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

Know Your Metrics

Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.