Account Manager

About Debut

Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world.  Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.  

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 

• Knowledge of color cosmetics and ability to color match is a plus 

• Experience with technology transfer from bench scale to full production  

• Understanding of testing requirements necessary for product launch 

• Experience in Personal Care & Cosmetic Products required 

• Excellent Customer Service skills, ability to communicate clearly to both external and internal customers  

• Ability to work successfully with customers in difficult situations and communicate clearly either verbally or in writing 

• Preferable to have direct experience in the personal care, cosmetic or fragrance industry 

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment 

• Perform essential duties and responsibilities efficiently, accurately, and safely 

 

Essential Physical Characteristics 

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.  

   

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck 

• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers 

• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required 

• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds 

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) 

• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants 

• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.  

 

Condition of Employment 

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. 

Debut is an equal opportunity for employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

 

 

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000