Industries: Fragrance and Packaging (Perfume & Cosmetics Industry)

Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Type: Full-Time

About Us

At Identiscents, a well-established French-founded business, we focus on sourcing, distributing, and customizing packaging solutions and fine fragrances for the perfumery, beauty, personal care, and home care industries. With almost three decades of experience, we have delivered more than 1,000 global brands. Our team of experts, dedication to fostering strong partnerships with suppliers allows us to stay flexible, sustainable, and responsive to the changing market landscape.

Serving major brands in the GCC, the company has an extensive network of clients across GCC countries, Asia, and Europe, and continues to grow its presence globally.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Product Development Manager with a strong background in the perfume and cosmetics industry to lead the development of innovative packaging solutions. The ideal candidate will have expertise in working with glass and aluminum materials, deep knowledge of market trends, and a passion for creating exceptional products that set industry benchmarks.

This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, marketing, and sales, to bring innovative concepts to life while meeting client expectations and maintaining cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Conceptualization & Development:
• Lead the end-to-end product development process for fragrance packaging and related projects.
• Translate client briefs and market insights into innovative product concepts that align with brand identity and current trends.
• Material Expertise:
• Leverage expertise in glass and aluminum materials to design packaging solutions that are both aesthetically appealing and functional.
• Propose sustainable material solutions to meet environmental standards and consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
• Trend Analysis & Innovation:
• Research and monitor emerging trends in fragrances, packaging design, materials, and consumer preferences.
• Incorporate upcoming trends into product development to stay ahead of market demands.
• Collaboration & Project Management:
• Work closely with internal teams (designers, engineers, R&D) as well as external suppliers to ensure feasibility, quality, and timely delivery of products.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Industry Expertise:
• Utilize knowledge of the perfume and cosmetics industry to understand client needs and target markets.
• Stay informed about competitors offerings and technological advancements in the industry.
• Prototyping & Testing:
• Oversee prototype development and testing to ensure product performance aligns with specifications.
• Address technical challenges related to materials or manufacturing processes.
• Client Interaction:
• Collaborate with clients to present concepts, provide updates on project progress, and address any concerns.

Qualifications & Experience

• Mandatory Expertise:
• Proven knowledge and hands-on experience working with glass and aluminum materials, particularly in the context of packaging design.
• Experience Required:
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a simialr role and 15 years in product development within the perfume or cosmetics industry (preferred).
• Educational Background:
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Product Design, Material Science, or a related field (Masters degree is a plus).
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Comprehensive understanding of fragrance packaging requirements: aesthetic design, functionality, durability, sustainability.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for glass and aluminum packaging.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in fragrances, cosmetics, and luxury packaging.

• Bonus Skills:
• Experience working with sustainable packaging initiatives or innovative material technologies.
• Strong network within the perfume or cosmetics industry.

Key Competencies

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage deadlines and budgets effectively.
• Creative thinking combined with technical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration and client interactions.
• Attention to detail with a passion for delivering high-quality products.
• Ability to stay updated on industry trends and translate them into actionable strategies.

Key Performance Measurements for Product Development Manager

• Individual KPIs: Specific targets tailored to product innovation, project management, and market responsiveness.
• Milestone Achievement: Successful completion of key project milestones within established timelines.
• On-Time Delivery: Timeliness in delivering products from concept through to market launch.
• Adherence to Procedures: Compliance with quality standards, health and safety regulations, and industry best practices.
• Pre-Calc vs Actual: Comparison of projected outcomes against actual results to assess forecasting accuracy.
• Market Feedback: Evaluation of customer feedback and satisfaction scores post-launch to measure product acceptance.
• Cost Management: Tracking of budget adherence for product development projects to ensure financial efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring products meet all relevant regulatory standards and certifications in the cosmetics and fragrance industry.
• Innovation Rate: Percentage of new products developed relative to total product offerings, reflecting the companys commitment to innovation.

Behavior and Culture

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, and lead by example to ensure Company goals are achieved and exceeded.

• Communication & Negotiation: Strong communication skills for effective relationship management.
• Teamwork & Customer Service: Excellent team collaboration and customer service centric.
• Organization & Flexibility: Highly organized with the flexibility to adapt to changing situations.
• Independent & Pressure Management: Ability to work independently and thrive under pressure.
• Staff Management: Effective staff management skills to lead and develop a team.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative company at the forefront of fragrance and packaging design.
• Work on exciting projects for global perfume and cosmetics brands.
• Collaborate with a passionate team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the industry.

Please note that certain responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to updates or modifications over time to reflect the evolving needs of the role or the organization.

Application Process

If you are passionate about product development in the fragrance and cosmetics world and have the expertise we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!