[Edaily Reporter KIM EUNG-TAE ] K-Beauty companies, which are gaining momentum in the global market, are drawing attention as they launch large-scale open recruitment drives for new graduates in the second half of this year. In particular, these companies are moving swiftly to recruit global and artificial intelligence (AI) talent in an effort to transform themselves into Beauty-Tech firms. It is also notable that they are introducing AI solutions into their recruitment processes to meticulously evaluate candidates’ job suitability.

According to the beauty industry on the 21st, global cosmetics original design manufacturer (ODM) companies KOLMAR KOREA Group and COSMAX, INC. are recruiting new employees for the second half of the year through the end of this month. The number of new hires for both groups in the second half of this year is expected to range from double to triple digits, which is at least on par with or higher than last year’s figures. This trend of expanded hiring is seen as a continuation of last year’s momentum, driven by a growing number of overseas customers amid the K-Beauty boom. A notable feature of COSMAX, INC.’s recruitment is that the number of positions available has increased by 50% compared to last year, with openings across a wide range of fields.
KOLMAR KOREA(161890)and COSMAX, INC.(192820), the core affiliates of the two groups, are recruiting for double-digit positions this year. First, KOLMAR KOREA is recruiting for 26 positions, including △Sales △Marketing △Cosmetic Formulation Research △Convergence Technology Research △Clinical Research △Regulatory Affairs (RA) △Design Development △Packaging Procurement △Quality Inspection. In addition to global sales, KOLMAR KOREA gives preference to applicants with business-level foreign language proficiency in most of its recruitment fields, including research, design development, and delivery and production management.
COSMAX, INC. is recruiting for 24 positions, including △Business Strategy △Design △Marketing △Cosmetics Research △Fragrance Research △Clinical Skin Research △Production and Outsourcing Management △Process Development. In particular, the company is actively seeking talent in AI and robotics for this recruitment drive. The newly established “Content Creator” position primarily involves AI video production, and applicants must submit a relevant portfolio. Those hired for the “AI Automation” role will be responsible for the introduction and operation of automated equipment, as well as robotics and AI vision projects. For the “Robot System Integration and Manufacturing Site Validation” position, the company is seeking candidates with experience in operating and controlling robot hardware to implement robotic work sites.
A common feature of both companies’ recruitment processes is that they meticulously evaluate applicants’ AI competencies while simultaneously using AI solutions as assessment tools. At KOLMAR KOREA Group, all applicants must take an AI competency test after the initial document screening, and their AI competencies are comprehensively evaluated during a five-week contract internship.
COSMAX, INC. has introduced a question regarding “AI experience and competencies” in the personal statement section of the application for the first time in this recruitment cycle. Additionally, after the initial screening, the company conducts a competency assessment using AI solutions to evaluate applicants’ suitability for the role.
Not only ODM companies but also beauty brands are busy recruiting talent in the second half of this year. APR(278470), the beauty industry’s top company by market capitalization, is recruiting on a large scale across 32 positions in eight departments—including Product Planning, Marketing, Design, Legal, and Development—through the end of this month. APR, too, aims to secure next-generation talent with global capabilities through this recruitment drive, as its influence in overseas markets continues to grow. To this end, the company conducted campus recruiting at seven major universities in Korea, including Yonsei University and Korea University.
A beauty industry insider stated, “The key to hiring in the second half of this year is finding talent capable of responding to global trends,” adding, “Furthermore, as we are expanding the use of AI across the entire process—from research and development (R&D) to production—to drive the development of innovative K-Beauty technologies, applicants’ AI competencies will also be a major factor in determining their selection.” The source added, “As with previous hiring processes, the ability to collaborate smoothly with colleagues while adhering to principles and demonstrating respect for others remains a crucial evaluation factor.”