Product Evaluator (Salon & Lab)

Developlus Inc; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetic company in California is seeking an Associate to manage end-to-end product evaluations for hair-color items. The candidate must have a current cosmetology license and experience in product testing. Responsibilities include planning tests, coordinating models, and analyzing results to provide actionable insights for product development. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for this full-time role.

Qualifications

• Current cosmetology license required.
• 1–3+ years in a salon, lab, or product evaluation/testing environment preferred.
• Familiarity with hair-color product testing methodologies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute testing for hair-color products.
• Manage model recruitment and schedule testing.
• Collect and analyze feedback and data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Test protocol execution

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

AA/BS in Cosmetology, Chemistry, Life Sciences

Tools

Microsoft 365

Datacolor

Job description

Summary

Own end-to-end product evaluations for cosmetic and hair-color items across salon and lab settings. Measure objective performance (e.g., colorimetric accuracy, lift/coverage) and capture consumer experience (safety, scalp & hair quality, usability). Manage model recruitment/scheduling (including outside recruiting), run standardized application sessions, collect and triage feedback, and deliver clear, persuasive insights to support claim substantiation and product decisions. Conduct in-depth product evaluations for hair color and styling innovations, providing actionable feedback to R&D and marketing teams to guide formulation improvements and go-to-market strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan & execute testing, manage end-to-end testing, run in‑salon and laboratory evaluations and swatch tests per SOPs/GMP and safety rules.
• Control variables; record formulas, timings, developer levels, hair type/condition, pH, and environment.
• Recruit, screen, and coordinate hair models; manage consents/waivers and compensation.
• Coordinate model compensation logistics and curated brand goody bags to enhance participant experience and brand engagement.
• Build and maintain a reliable model pool; leverage outside recruiting channels as needed.
• Own salon/testing operations calendar and salon scheduling software; ensure smooth model flow.
• Conduct standardized product applications; ensure consistent technique and documentation.
• Collect objective measurements (e.g., Datacolor/spectrophotometer readings, shade accuracy, lift/coverage, breakage/elasticity, pH) and controlled before/after photography.
• Administer pre/post surveys using Microsoft Forms (or similar) and facilitate brief interviews; synthesize qualitative feedback.

Analysis & Reporting

• Manage the collection, analysis, and reporting of analytical evaluation forms to inform post‑event insights and continuous improvement.
• Analyze results; create clear reports and claim‑substantiation summaries with visuals.
• Present recommendations (go/no‑go, reformulation needs, next‑step experiments) to R&D, Marketing, Operations, and QC.
• Maintain accurate records (SharePoint/Excel) with full traceability and data integrity.

Operations & Collaboration

• Maintain station readiness; calibrate/maintain instruments and inventory tools/PPE.
• Support approved content capture for internal reports/marketing, following brand and compliance.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with R&D, NPD, and marketing teams to align protocols.
• Support the development of testing timelines and documentation for DVP Gate reviews, ensuring all milestones were met for product launch readiness.
• Train contractors/stylists on test protocols and data collection.
• Meticulous execution of SOPs; strong multitasking across concurrent tests/models.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication; elicits, clarifies, and clearly conveys feedback; can be persuasive/convincing when presenting evidence.
• Working knowledge of hair types, product ingredients, haircare routines, and hair‑color behavior.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Forms/survey software; comfort with data entry/analysis and basic statistics.
• Experience with Datacolor or equivalent color‑measurement tools and controlled photography.
• Professional presence with consumers/models; excellent interpersonal and session‑facilitation skills.

Qualifications

• Current cosmetology license — MUST‑HAVE.
• AA/BS in Cosmetology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or related field; or equivalent practical experience.
• 1–3+ years in a salon, lab, or product evaluation/testing environment (highly preferred).
• Familiarity with hair‑color product testing methodologies (preferred).

Safety & Compliance

• Adheres to company safety protocols, laboratory best practices, and data‑integrity standards. Ensures testing complies with internal policies and applicable regulatory guidelines for cosmetic testing.

Compliance / IP Risk

Only approved procedures, data templates, and consent forms; no external sharing of model data, photos, or formulas without authorization.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research

Industries

Manufacturing

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