NPD Innovation Associate

indē wild; Mumbai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture-first brand

Ownership & mentorship

Global exposure

Team perks

Working days

Office-wfh balance

Job summary

indē wild is seeking an NPD Innovation Associate to shape the future product pipeline by identifying emerging consumer needs, trends, and whitespace opportunities. You will collaborate with Brand, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners to deliver differentiated, consumer-led products.

The role focuses on defining the NPD roadmap, ideation, and translating insights into viable products while managing timelines and launches in a fast-paced, global startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmaceuticals, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in Innovation, Product Management or NPD in Beauty/Personal Care/FMCG.
• Proven track record of building innovation pipelines and launching consumer-centric products.

Responsibilities

• Assist in defining and driving the NPD innovation roadmap aligned with brand vision and consumer insights.
• Identify whitespace opportunities through consumer research, trend forecasting and benchmarking.
• Support ideation, concept creation, positioning, claims strategy, and storytelling.
• Translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities with consumer relevance.
• Drive cross-functional execution from concept to market launch, ensuring timelines and quality.

Skills

Cosmetic ingredients

Formulation understanding

Clinical claims knowledge

Regulatory awareness

Brand & claims alignment

R&D coordination

NPD timelines

Beauty/personal-care exposure

Education

Bachelor's in Pharmaceuticals

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Cosmetic Science degree

Job description

We are looking for a strategic and consumer-first NPD Innovation Associate to shape the future innovation pipeline by identifying emerging consumer needs, market trends, and whitespace opportunities. The role will drive innovation strategy, product conceptualization, and commercialization by partnering closely with Brand, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners (Contract Manufacturers & R&D) to deliver differentiated, consumer-led products.

Preferred Skills & Know-how:

• Understanding of cosmetic ingredients, actives & formulations
• Ability to understand formulation briefs and work with R&D/formulator team of contract manufacturers
• Basic understanding of clinical/efficacy claims and supporting evidence
• Working knowledge of India, US & UK cosmetic regulatory requirements
• Understanding of product claims, ingredient restrictions, labelling and documentation
• Experience coordinating with R&D, contract manufacturers, packaging and regulatory teams
• Ability to manage NPD timelines, samples, iterations and launches
• Beauty/personal-care category exposure

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in defining and driving the NPD innovation roadmap aligned with brand vision, consumer insights, and business priorities.
• Assist to identify whitespace opportunities through consumer research, trend forecasting, competitive benchmarking, and global innovation scouting.
• Help in product ideation, concept creation, positioning, claims strategy, and innovation storytelling
• Translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities with strong consumer and brand relevance.
• Drive cross-functional execution from concept approval to market launch, ensuring timelines, quality, and launch readiness.
• Collaborate with Formulation, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Finance, and external partners to deliver innovative products at scale.
• Champion packaging innovation, new formats, sustainable solutions, and differentiated consumer experiences.
• Build business cases, portfolio recommendations, and innovation strategies based on commercial potential and market attractiveness.
• Track industry trends, disruptive technologies, and emerging ingredients to strengthen the long-term innovation pipeline.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmaceuticals, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in Innovation, Product Management, or NPD within Beauty, Personal Care, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated success in building innovation pipelines and launching consumer-centric products.

What You Get

• A Culture-First Brand: Be part of a vibrant, inclusive environment that places a massive emphasis on innovative, industry-leading marketing efforts. Marketing isn't just a department here; it's the heartbeat of the brand.
• Ownership & Mentorship: Enjoy true autonomy and ownership over your campaigns and community initiatives, paired with dedicated mentorship from senior leadership to accelerate your career growth.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities for rapid career progression in a fast-paced, global startup environment.
• Team Perks: Generous employee discounts, indē wild goodies, and first access to all new product launches.
• Working days: Monday to Friday
• Working from office: 4 days in office (3 days set, 1 flexible, 1 WFH)