NPD Assistant- Cosmetics

IB Talent Search; England; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

IB Talent Search is seeking an NPD Assistant for a cosmetics-focused product development team. You will support the full development cycle, from concept to market, with hands-on experience across product launches and supplier coordination.

The role involves setting up lines, generating barcodes, and ensuring critical timelines are met while collaborating with internal departments and external partners. A passion for beauty and strong Excel/PowerPoint skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in New Product Development, Buying, Merchandising or Product Administration is desirable.
• Genuine passion for beauty, cosmetics and emerging product trends.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Commercially aware with interest in consumer behaviour and market trends.
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated and eager to learn and develop.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Support the NPD team throughout the product development process.
• Set up new product lines and generate product barcodes.
• Manage product information and keep critical path deadlines.
• Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to track development progress.
• Monitor project timelines and flag risks or delays.
• Collaborate with Demand Planning to progress product orders.
• Coordinate and distribute product samples to internal stakeholders.
• Assist with competitor analysis, trend research and market reviews.
• Support development of new beauty products from concept to launch.
• Prepare product information, presentations and reports for internal meetings.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Provide administrative and project support to the NPD team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organised

Multi-tasking

Proactive

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

NPD Assistant - Cosmetics

Location: Middlesex- 2 days in office, 3 days WFH

Are you passionate about beauty, cosmetics and product innovation?

We are looking for an organised, proactive and detail-focused NPD Assistant to join a fast-paced Product Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across the full product development lifecycle, supporting the launch of trend‑led cosmetic products from concept through to market.

Working closely with the NPD team, suppliers and key internal departments, you will play a vital role in ensuring new product launches stay on track and are delivered successfully.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the NPD team throughout the product development process.
• Setting up new product lines and generating product barcodes.
• Managing product information and ensuring all critical path deadlines are met.
• Liaising with suppliers and manufacturers to track product development progress.
• Monitoring project timelines and highlighting any risks or delays.
• Working closely with Demand Planning to ensure product orders progress smoothly.
• Coordinating and distributing product samples to internal stakeholders.
• Supporting competitor analysis, trend research and market reviews.
• Assisting with the development of new beauty and cosmetic products from concept to launch.
• Preparing product information, presentations and reports for internal meetings.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Providing general administrative and project support to the wider NPD team.

About You

• Previous experience within New Product Development, Buying, Merchandising, Product Administration or a similar role is desirable.
• A genuine passion for beauty, cosmetics and emerging product trends.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Commercially aware with an interest in consumer behaviour and market trends.
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and eager to learn and develop.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Why Join Us?

• Work with an established and highly recognised beauty brand.
• Be involved in exciting new product launches from concept to shelf.
• Gain exposure to the full NPD process and develop your career within the cosmetics industry.
• Join a collaborative, supportive and creative team environment.
• Excellent opportunity for career progression and professional development.

If you're passionate about beauty and looking to build a career in New Product Development, we'd love to hear from you