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, ItalyISE II - ESOL International (English)
Trinity College
LondonDELF A2 - French
Institut Français
Naples, ItalyA-Levels - Scientific Studies
Carducci High School
ItalyGCSEs - Classics and Classical Languages, Literature
Liceo Linguistico Parmenide
ItalySkills
- 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
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