Position Overview

The Director of Product Development (Food Product Lead) will lead the end-to-end innovation, development, and commercialization of food products, while also managing and mentoring two product developers specializing in hard goods and wellness. This role is responsible for setting the strategic vision for product portfolios, ensuring cross-functional alignment, and driving the successful launch of products that meet market needs and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Food Product Development

• Lead the research, ideation, formulation, and commercialization of new food products from concept to launch.
• Ensure all food products meet quality, safety, regulatory, and cost requirements.
• Oversee sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and product testing to ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
• Stay abreast of food industry trends, emerging technologies, and consumer preferences to drive innovation.

Team Leadership & Management

• Directly supervise and mentor two product developers focused on hard goods and wellness, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture that encourages innovation and accountability.
• Set clear goals, monitor progress, and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with marketing, procurement, quality assurance, production, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Align product development activities with business strategy and customer needs.
• Communicate product vision, progress, and challenges to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
  

Portfolio & Project Management

• Oversee the product development lifecycle for food, hard goods, and wellness categories, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Allocate resources effectively across multiple product lines and prioritize initiatives based on business impact.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for product development activities.

Strategic Leadership

• Define and implement the long-term product vision and roadmap for food, hard goods, and wellness portfolios.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation in all product categories.
• Ensure all products align with the companys mission, regulatory requirements, and market trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in food product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring product development teams, ideally across multiple product categories (food, hard goods, wellness).
• Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Desired Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into actionable product strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in product development.
• Knowledge of importation processes, regulations, and best practices related to sourcing and launching products internationally.