Account Manager

Account Manager  

 

Summary  

The primary focus for this position will be working with external brand partners, contract manufacturers of personal care products, and supporting sales and operations. Regarding external brand partnerships and sales, activities will be devoted to customer contacts, proactive problem diffusion, and management of all new projects and open orders. For operations, you will be working closely and communicating with the managers of each existing department to develop cohesive strategies and corresponding timelines for each new project.  Effective and efficient management of product briefs with the focus on developing high quality products that drive to repeat customer PO's. Support business development strategy and execution. Execute regular order process.  

 

Essential Functions 

• Support brand partners with timely and accurate cost estimates / quotes, timelines and other information 

• Receive and process all incoming product briefs and redirects 

• Liaison between contract manufacturer, external brands and internal stakeholders to clearly and effectively execute projects 

• Have working knowledge of the contract manufacturing process, specifically related to skincare, and preferably broader within personal care, color cosmetic products is a plus 

• Where possible, adjust project management approach and coordinate with the Debut team to fit the unique needs of each customer while respecting Debut processes  

• Utilize project management tools to track project progress, manage deadlines, and communicate status updates effectively to all stakeholders 

• Develop and maintain project schedules, ensuring that milestones are met, and any potential delays are promptly addressed 

• Be the main point of contact to the customer 

• Ensure R&D and costing paperwork is complete and accurate before sending to the customer 

• Actively manage the scale-up process for any customer products starting the first production run including carefully managing customer expectations  

• Think strategically about each customer's New Product Development (NPD) projects to drive customers to the best decision as efficiently as possible 

• Proactively raise risks, deadlines, and concerns to meet launch timeline objectives 

• Support business development initiatives as needed via sample and presentation coordination 

• Actively participate in market research on behalf of Debut 

• Participate in customer vetting as needed 

• Visit customers and contract manufacturers as needed 

• Clear and effective communication with brand partners and to Debut including executing the weekly order process and identify exceptions 

• Support the long-term scheduling process as well as daily / weekly scheduling processes 

• Support quality in the management of any quality issues that arise as it relates to resolution and communication to the customer  

• Investigate and resolve inventory questions and discrepancies 

• Forecasting future orders  

 

Education and Experience 

• BA or BS in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related field preferred 

• Minimum 3+ years of account management experience required, including brand-facing client engagement with strong ownership and accountability. Prior experience in skincare formulation account management is required 

• Experience working at or closely with a Contract Manufacturer of personal care products preferred