Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

CLARA PARLATI

London

Summary

An innovative and strategic Head of NPD with over ten years of experience in the luxury beauty sector, I specialise in transforming brand visions into award-winning products across skincare, makeup, and perfumery. My career is defined by a unique blend of creative insight and analytical rigour, enabling me to drive ground breaking product development, streamline global supply chains, and champion sustainability initiatives. Adept in cross-functional team leadership and fluent in both Italian and English with working proficiency in French and currently studying Japanese to expand my languages portfolio, I excel at forging robust partnerships and delivering measurable business growth.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work history

Head of NPD and Innovation

UpCircle Beauty
London
08.2023 - Current
  • Steer the overarching strategic vision for new product development and innovation, driving the creative direction across all product categories.
  • Travel internationally to forge and nurture relationships with industry leaders, suppliers, and research partners, ensuring a constant pulse on emerging trends.
  • Lead cross-functional teams in transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products, integrating rigorous testing and compliance procedures.
  • Oversee the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and advanced formulations, including continuous research into novel ingredients.
  • Champion a high-performance culture through effective leadership, coaching, and regular performance reviews.

Product Development & Brand Innovation Manager

UpCircle Beauty
London
07.2022 - 08.2023
  • Managed the complete product lifecycle from initial concept through to commercial launch, ensuring products resonate with the brand’s identity.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing, R&D, and creative teams to craft unique product propositions and compelling brand stories.
  • Drove cost efficiencies by negotiating favourable supplier contracts and optimising resource allocation, resulting in significant budget savings.
  • Introduced agile project management methodologies to streamline workflows and enhance interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Conducted comprehensive market and trend analyses to inform product design and secure a competitive market advantage.

Operations & Logistics Lead

UpCircle Beauty
London
08.2021 - 07.2022
  • Orchestrated global logistics operations, from inventory management to international shipping, ensuring seamless distribution across multiple markets.
  • Developed and implemented process improvements that boosted operational efficiency and reduced overall shipping costs.
  • Coordinated closely with customs authorities, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers to maintain smooth, compliant supply chains.
  • Devised robust risk management strategies to pre-empt and mitigate potential logistical challenges.
  • Played a key role in coordinating the company’s participation at international trade events, ensuring flawless operational support.

Multi-Brand Retail Associate

The Estée Lauder Companies
London
09.2018 - 08.2021
  • Delivered exemplary customer service in a luxury retail setting, representing premium brands such as Jo Malone and Smashbox Cosmetics.
  • Utilised strong sales techniques and product knowledge to drive personalised service, upselling, and cross-selling.
  • Managed visual merchandising, inventory control, and cash reconciliation to ensure an inviting and efficient retail environment.
  • Leveraged multilingual skills to connect with a diverse clientele, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Assisted in organising in-store events and promotions, contributing to increased brand visibility and sales performance.

Make-up Artist / Special FX Designer

Freelance
Italy and the UK
01.2015 - 08.2018
  • Provided bespoke makeup artistry and special FX design services for high-profile clients, including fashion shoots, film projects, and marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborated with creative teams and renowned brands such as ASOS and Yoox to develop visually compelling campaigns that captured market trends.
  • Conducted in-depth consultations to tailor services to client needs, ensuring outstanding, on-trend results.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging techniques and products, positioning myself as a forward-thinking creative professional.
  • Built a robust personal brand through client referrals and repeat business, underpinned by exceptional service and innovative artistry.

Operations executive

Pharma Partners
Florence, IT
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Coordinated international pharmaceutical shipments, ensuring rigorous adherence to customs regulations and quality standards.
  • Managed end-to-end logistics, including warehousing, order processing, and distribution, optimising efficiency and accuracy.
  • Liaised with freight companies and third-party providers to streamline transport logistics and achieve cost savings.
  • Developed and executed risk management strategies to minimise operational disruptions and maintain service excellence.
  • Assisted in refining logistics protocols and enhancing overall supply chain performance through targeted process improvements.

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - Make-up Artistry and Special Effects for the Cinematographic Industry

National Academy of Cinematography & Show Business
Bologna, Italy

ISE II - ESOL International (English)

Trinity College
London

DELF A2 - French

Institut Français
Naples, Italy

A-Levels - Scientific Studies

Carducci High School
Italy

GCSEs - Classics and Classical Languages, Literature

Liceo Linguistico Parmenide
Italy

Skills

  • Strategic Product Innovation & Lifecycle Management
  • Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
  • Global Market & Consumer Trend Analysis
  • Compliance, Certification & Regulatory Expertise
  • Sustainable & Upcycled Product Development
  • Project Management & Process Optimisation
  • Multilingual Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Accomplishments

  • Sustainability Awards 2024 – Winner, Hair Care Category for Conditioner Crème
  • Hair Magazine.com – Winner, Best Vegan and Cruelty-free Conditioner
  • CEW Awards 2024 – Nominee, Best Niche Fragrance for UpCircle’s debut Eau de Parfum Santelle
  • Conceptualised and launched a peptide serum in 2023, which swiftly became the brand’s best-seller within six months.
  • Pioneered an innovative approach by formulating the serum with highly effective ingredients and conducting the brand's first ever clinical trials to substantiate its efficacy.
  • Championed the development and manufacture of the brand’s first product produced in South Korea, aligning with global trends and utilising pioneering ingredients to set a new benchmark in the western beauty market.

Languages

Italian
Native
English
Fluent
French
Elementary
Japanese
Beginner

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Head of NPD and Innovation

UpCircle Beauty
08.2023 - Current

Product Development & Brand Innovation Manager

UpCircle Beauty
07.2022 - 08.2023

Operations & Logistics Lead

UpCircle Beauty
08.2021 - 07.2022

Multi-Brand Retail Associate

The Estée Lauder Companies
09.2018 - 08.2021

Make-up Artist / Special FX Designer

Freelance
01.2015 - 08.2018

Operations executive

Pharma Partners
01.2014 - 01.2015

Diploma of Higher Education - Make-up Artistry and Special Effects for the Cinematographic Industry

National Academy of Cinematography & Show Business

ISE II - ESOL International (English)

Trinity College

DELF A2 - French

Institut Français

A-Levels - Scientific Studies

Carducci High School

GCSEs - Classics and Classical Languages, Literature

Liceo Linguistico Parmenide

Similar Profiles

Create profile
CLARA PARLATI