Market Research & Product Positioning Specialist – Canadian Hair Care Market

Job Overview We are a Canadian-based startup preparing to import and launch a line of shampoos and personal care products from Ecuador into the Canadian market. We are seeking an experienced consultant or freelancer with expertise in market research, product positioning, cosmetics compliance, and regulatory analysis to help us evaluate product opportunities and ensure readiness for market entry. The ideal candidate has experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), cosmetics, personal care products, wellness products, regulatory affairs, or product compliance in Canada and/or North America. Scope of Work 1. Market Analysis * Size and growth trends of the Canadian shampoo and hair care market * Consumer behavior and purchasing trends * Natural, organic, clean beauty, and specialty hair care segments * Market opportunities for imported products * Identification of underserved niches and emerging trends 2. Competitor Analysis Research and evaluate major competitors sold in Canada. For each competitor, identify: * Product positioning * Key claims and benefits * Target audience * Pricing strategy * Packaging and branding * Distribution channels * Strengths and weaknesses 3. Product Positioning Assessment Review our proposed products and provide recommendations on: * Target customer segments * Unique selling propositions (USPs) * Competitive differentiation * Value proposition * Pricing strategy * Brand positioning * Product claim opportunities 4. Distribution & Sales Channel Assessment Research opportunities within: * Amazon Canada * Shopify / DTC e-commerce * Independent retailers * Beauty supply stores * Health food stores * Ethnic grocery stores * Specialty natural product retailers 5. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Review We are looking for a freelancer who can provide regulatory support and identify potential compliance risks before market launch. Areas of interest include: Label Review & Compliance Support * Cosmetic label review * Wellness product label review * Packaging compliance assessment * Ingredient declaration review * Bilingual labeling considerations (English/French) * Product claims review Ingredient Safety & Regulatory Research * Ingredient safety assessment * Review against Health Canada cosmetic requirements * Review against FDA cosmetic requirements * Review of international cosmetic compliance frameworks * Restricted and prohibited ingredient research * Product claims substantiation review Documentation Review Review and assess supplier documentation, including: * Certificates of Analysis (COAs) * Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) * Product specifications * Stability reports * Microbiological testing reports * Supplier compliance documentation Compliance Gap Analysis Identify: * Missing documentation * Potential regulatory risks * Labeling deficiencies * Ingredient concerns * Product claim risks * Areas requiring additional testing or substantiation Amazon Compliance Support Evaluate product readiness for sale on Amazon Canada and Amazon US, including: * Product listing compliance * Claims compliance * Documentation requirements * Risk factors that could lead to listing suppression or compliance challenges Deliverables The final deliverables should include: 1. Executive Summary 2. Canadian Market Analysis 3. Competitive Landscape Review 4. Product Positioning Recommendations 5. Pricing Assessment 6. Distribution Channel Analysis 7. Regulatory Compliance Assessment 8. Compliance Gap Analysis 9. Risk Assessment Matrix 10. Recommended Next Steps 11. Supporting Sources and References Preferred formats: * PowerPoint presentation (15–30 slides) * PDF report * Excel spreadsheets and supporting documentation Preferred Qualifications * Experience in cosmetics, personal care, wellness, or consumer packaged goods * Experience with Canadian cosmetic regulations * Familiarity with Health Canada cosmetic requirements * Familiarity with FDA cosmetic regulations * Experience reviewing labels and product claims * Experience evaluating supplier compliance documentation * Experience with Amazon compliance requirements * Strong market research and analytical skills Proposal Requirements Please include: 1. Summary of relevant experience 2. Similar projects completed 3. Regulatory and compliance experience 4. Proposed methodology 5. Estimated timeline 6. Fixed-price quote or hourly rate 7. Sample deliverables (if available) 8. Any questions regarding the project Budget Open to proposals. We are a startup seeking practical, actionable guidance rather than a large corporate consulting engagement. We are interested in freelancers who can provide both market intelligence and regulatory/compliance insights to support a successful product launch in Canada.