NPD Innovation Associate

About The Role

We are looking for a strategic and consumer-first NPD Innovation Associate to shape the future innovation pipeline by identifying emerging consumer needs, market trends, and whitespace opportunities. The role will drive innovation strategy, product conceptualization, and commercialization by partnering closely with Brand, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners (Contract Manufacturers & R&D) to deliver differentiated, consumer-led products.

Preferred Skills & Know-how

• Understanding of cosmetic ingredients, actives & formulations
• Ability to understand formulation briefs and work with R&D/formulator team of contract manufacturers
• Basic understanding of clinical/efficacy claims and supporting evidence
• Working knowledge of India, US & UK cosmetic regulatory requirements
• Understanding of product claims, ingredient restrictions, labelling and documentation
• Experience coordinating with R&D, contract manufacturers, packaging and regulatory teams
• Ability to manage NPD timelines, samples, iterations and launches
• Beauty/personal-care category exposure
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in defining and driving the NPD innovation roadmap aligned with brand vision, consumer insights, and business priorities.
• Assist to identify whitespace opportunities through consumer research, trend forecasting, competitive benchmarking, and global innovation scouting.
• Help in product ideation, concept creation, positioning, claims strategy, and innovation storytelling
• Translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities with strong consumer and brand relevance.
• Drive cross-functional execution from concept approval to market launch, ensuring timelines, quality, and launch readiness.
• Collaborate with Formulation, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Finance, and external partners to deliver innovative products at scale.
• Champion packaging innovation, new formats, sustainable solutions, and differentiated consumer experiences.
• Build business cases, portfolio recommendations, and innovation strategies based on commercial potential and market attractiveness.
• Track industry trends, disruptive technologies, and emerging ingredients to strengthen the long-term innovation pipeline.
  
  

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmaceuticals, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of experience in Innovation, Product Management, or NPD within Beauty, Personal Care, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated success in building innovation pipelines and launching consumer-centric products.
  
  

What You Get

• A Culture-First Brand: Be part of a vibrant, inclusive environment that places a massive emphasis on innovative, industry-leading marketing efforts. Marketing isn't just a department here; it's the heartbeat of the brand.
• Ownership & Mentorship: Enjoy true autonomy and ownership over your campaigns and community initiatives, paired with dedicated mentorship from senior leadership to accelerate your career growth.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities for rapid career progression in a fast-paced, global startup environment.
• Team Perks: Generous employee discounts, indē wild goodies, and first access to all new product launches.
  
  

Other Details

• Office location: Lower Parel, Mumbai
• Working days: Monday to Friday
• Working from office: 4 days in office (3 days set, 1 flexible, 1 WFH)
  
  

If this sounds like you – please share your updated resume on grow@indewild.com.