Product Development Manager

Russell Tobin's client is hiring a Product Development Manager in Manhattan, NY

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Onsite - Manhattan, NY 10038

Pay rate: $35-$37/hr

• Lead creative accessories and base development from ideation through final approval.
• Present compelling points of view on accessories concepts, storytelling, and vision, informed by competitive insights, trends, and top-selling commercial references.
• Align cross-functionally with Creative and Merchant teams on olfactive vision and strategy.
• Brief fragrance houses and contract fillers on new initiatives; manage seasonal presentations and evaluate fragrance and base submissions.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback to vendors on fragrance concepts and base development.
• Collaborate with Design and Copy teams to translate olfactive vision into product projection, note stories, and digital creative concepts.
• Resolve development challenges through proactive, cross-functional problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate and complete project documentation across all development stages.
• Oversee Consumer Market Insights (CMI) testing, including focus groups and in-store testing; analyze results and provide recommendations to optimize launches and product restages.
• Support store education initiatives, fragrance training modules, and upcoming launches.
• Partner with Technical teams to ensure product integrity, regulatory compliance, stability, compatibility, and clinical testing for claims substantiation.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 5–10 years of experience within the fragrance industry.
• Strong olfactive skills with a deep understanding of the customer and retail environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships.
• Creative, strategic thinker with solid business judgment.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience with a track record of talent development.
• Positive, collaborative team player.
• Highly organized, able to multitask, work independently, and manage tight timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PLM/SAP systems.

Russell Tobin offers eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity), a 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, and employee discounts with some preferred vendors.