Product Development Manager

Overview

AKT (pronounced "act") is The Personal Performance Company that may change your life. AKT is by and for those who are "Born to Perform" — on the stage, at work, or in life. The Deodorant Balm debuted to rave reviews and awards, and AKT products are known for being plastic-free, aluminium-free, gender-free, and effective. The role is to lead end-to-end product development from concept through launch, working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, managing timelines, sourcing packaging, coordinating suppliers, and ensuring compliance.

You will be based in the UK (UK hours) with some liaison to the USA and other territories, so some flexibility is required. A passion for beauty, strong attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple moving parts are essential.

Responsibilities

• Own critical path analysis (CPA) and timelines for all product development projects, ensuring on-time delivery across all touchpoints.
• Create and maintain project trackers to ensure visibility for all stakeholders.
• Lead regular NPD meetings, flag risks or blockers, and ensure smooth cross-functional collaboration.
• Source and liaise with suppliers for packaging solutions, ensuring branding, sustainability standards, and cost targets are met.
• Obtain quotes, lead-times, samples, and negotiate with suppliers to deliver best value.
• Brief packaging suppliers to develop new components and colour match to approved references.
• Manage in-office samples of packaging and formulations, pre-production and production samples, creating a digital record of samples.
• Collaborate with manufacturers to confirm feasibility, production timelines, and minimum order quantities.
• Compile and circulate product copy documents to internal stakeholders, regulatory teams, and copywriters for feedback and approval.
• Manage internal files and packaging artwork costs, quotes, and analysis; ensure copy meets cosmetic regulation standards (UK / EU / US as applicable).
• Brief creative teams and external designers on packaging artwork, ensuring brand consistency and legal compliance; manage artwork approvals and stakeholder sign-off.
• Coordinate with fragrance houses and manufacturers during formula development to ensure timely completion.
• Support creation and submission of initial purchase orders for product launches, coordinating with operations and finance teams; ensure supplier alignment on timelines.

Qualifications & Requirements

Benefits

Equality & Inclusion AKT London is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

If you’re creative, conceptual, and ambitious with a passion for premium / luxury brands (and sustainability), and you’re ready to make a significant impact in a fast-growing startup, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in redefining personal care while looking after our planet!

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