Assistant to Director of Product Planning

Position Overview

The Assistant to the Director of Product Planning plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of product development, launch coordination, and market analysis. This position provides comprehensive support in managing timelines, documentation, supplier coordination, and market intelligence bridging creative direction with commercial strategy.

The role requires a proactive individual who can balance administrative precision with an analytical understanding of product trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activity in the global fragrance market.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administrative & Coordination Support

• Provide direct administrative and operational assistance to the Director of Product Planning.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, manage communication with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Maintain organized documentation for new and existing product lines, development stages, and approvals.
• Prepare weekly status updates, minutes of meetings, and launch readiness reports.

2. Product Development Assistance

• Support in preparing and updating Product Master Plans, SKU lists, and launch calendars.
• Track progress of new fragrance development and packaging activities with R&D, Design, and Production.
• Follow up on fragrance briefs, prototype approvals, and artwork finalizations.
• Assist in compiling product briefs, sample evaluations, and cost comparisons for management review.

3. Market Research & Trend Analysis

• Conduct ongoing market research on the latest perfume launches, packaging designs, and olfactory trends across global and regional markets.
• Monitor competitor activities like pricing, packaging, storytelling, and promotional strategies and compile competitive benchmarking reports.
• Prepare monthly “What’s Trending” summaries highlighting hot-selling perfumes, new market entrants, and emerging scent profiles.
• Present research insights to the Director and support in integrating market trends into future product plans.

4. Supply Chain & Production Coordination

• Liaise with Procurement, Production, and Warehousing to monitor material readiness and production schedules.
• Track availability of bottles, caps, packaging components, and ensure readiness ahead of launch deadlines.
• Update production trackers and communicate bottlenecks or delays to management promptly

5. Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain detailed databases for new and ongoing product launches.
• Generate analytical reports covering launch timelines, sales trends, and lifecycle performance.
• Coordinate with Retail and Sales teams to collect store-level insights on product performance.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing for product storytelling, campaign briefs, and packaging communication.
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure pricing, margin, and cost data are aligned with product targets.
• Support internal review meetings with presentation materials and data analysis.

7. Confidentiality & Brand Integrity

• Handle all design-related data with utmost confidentiality.
• Uphold the brand ethos, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and heritage.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Industrial Management.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in product coordination, market research, or merchandising (preferably in perfumes, cosmetics, or FMCG).
• Familiarity with fragrance industry trends and global luxury brand positioning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint); ERP or data management systems knowledge preferred.
• Excellent English communication; Arabic an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and research skills with an eye for market and design trends.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong coordination and cross-functional communication.
• Creativity blended with commercial awareness.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Interest and passion for perfumes, design, and luxury aesthetics.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Accuracy and timeliness of product development trackers.
• Quality and relevance of market research reports and trend summaries.
• Smooth coordination between product, marketing, and production teams.
• Timely preparation of management reports and presentations.
• Positive performance evaluation from the Director of Product Planning.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: BD400.000 - BD500.000 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Manama: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• Product Planning & Development: 3 years (Required)
• Perfumes & Cosmetics Industry: 3 years (Required)