Product Development Assistant

we’re amika. a friend to hair, hairstylists, her, him, them and you. 10 collections created for every hair type, texture and style – all hair is welcome.

we were kind and clean before it was a thing. Cruelty-free, Vegan and free from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, dea, mit, mcit and over 1,300 ingredients on our “no list”. Going greener is top of mind, so we’ve partnered with Terracycle to recycle the unrecyclable and began producing only PCR plastic bottles in 2022. amika is a Climate Neutral Certified organization, Leaping Bunny Certified and Certified Vegan.

founded in Brooklyn, we’re a collective of creatives, hair stylists, chemists and product enthusiasts. we create the style, products and packaging; take our own photographs and make our own films.

we love what we do.

Job overview:

the position, Product Development Assistant supports the execution of strategies set by the amika Director of Product Development and Eva NYC Director of Product Development. this dual reporting role supports the brands’ innovation and product development efforts with testing, administrative and R+D responsibilities.

Location: brooklyn, NY (this role will require being onsite)

Key Responsibilities:

Testing

• Test incoming product samples upon receipt and communicate detailed feedback.
• Responsible for the organization and execution of all internal testing and documentation of testing feedback.
• Own distribution of product samples to broader team.
• Track and maintain feedback from stylists, salons, internal/external employees, and brand partners and communicate testing results to PD team.
• Recruit new testers, both professional and consumers, for future testing.
• Maintain vendor raw material and product sample submission log. Notify team when a new product arrives.
• Assist in the creation, and organization of consumer product testing in Survey Monkey.

Research and Development

• Assist in research/reporting competitive product launches, new technologies, ingredients, and textures through daily beauty blogs, monthly magazine subscriptions and industry journals. Integrate relevant information into monthly Competitive Product Reviews and Product Alerts.
• Understand and remain current on the competitive landscape by analyzing social media commentary and ratings.
• Create mood boards to support PD trends/development proposals.
• Responsible for the coordination of PD “Patterning Days” to look for new innovations.

Admin

• Catalog concepts, raw materials, data sheets, products and packaging that are good candidates for new product development.
• Responsible for the coordination and organization of production samples, lab standards and product retains.
• Assist team with reports where needed: i.e.; trends, competitive product trackers, data entry, meeting planning.
• Track and update new product launch ratings and reviews for team.
• Coordinate the creation of all new product comps and samples for sales and PR as requested.
• Coordinate vendor visits and research new suppliers.
• Receive/send submissions and packages to manufacturers or testing facilities.
• Maintain up-to-date records and storage of development samples, pilot samples, and production samples from R&D or vendors.
• Update and maintain inventory and organization of PD closet

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience)
• Knowledge of industry trends and technology
• Exceptional organization and communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly organized and detail oriented
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities
• Must be already located in New York City area. No relocation

Additional job requirement: This job position requires in-person work as stated above, and therefore as company policy, you must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Proof of vaccination will be requested before your first in-person work assignment.

Ready to apply?

Please click the link that will bring you to our careers page through Greenhouse. Submit a cover letter describing yourself and why you’d be the perfect fit along with your resume.

amika