Product Development Intern

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

The Role:

The Product Development Intern reporting to the Assistant Manager will assist the Product Development Team in executing daily aspects of bringing new products to market and reformulations of in-line formulas. The function includes competitive and trend assessment, timelines and formula tracking, regulatory, packaging, and cross-functional launch support.

What you will do:

1. Assist Product Development Team in accomplishing day-to-day aspects of bringing products to market, including reformulations, by contributing to formula development processes. This includes tracking and organizing lab sample submissions, communicating with third-party manufacturers, helping oversee timelines, project tracking, curating meeting agendas, and providing recaps following vendor calls.
2. Help track product testing including stability, RIPT, PET, challenge, and clinical /consumer panel.
3. Help evaluate formulas for aesthetic, function, performance, and fragrance. Track feedback from the team and various other product testers such as salons, stylists, and panelists.
4. Support the process of naming, copywriting, and translating copy for new launches and reformulations.
5. Track competitive launches and trends in the beauty industry and regularly report them to the team. Help organize the competitive library of products.
6. Contribute to the ideation of innovative product concepts and collaborate in writing comprehensive product briefs.
7. Assist cross-functional teams, such as regulatory, packaging, and marketing in the development of new launch support materials such as content for assets and presentation decks, adding information to fact sheets.

What you will need:

1. Currently pursue a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
2. Internship in related field.
3. Creative mindset and an understanding of the beauty category, especially hair care.

A reasonable pay range is $16/hr. - $18/hr.

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