Director of Product Development

Description

Position Summary:  Director Product Development will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic vision, innovation, and execution of our product development initiatives. You will lead a team of Research & Development Managers, Food Scientists, Chefs, and Technicians to conceptualize, design, develop, and launch new products that align with the company's overall vision and goals. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership to guide the product development lifecycle from ideation to commercialization and launch. This role reports directly to the Vice President Innovation 

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the product development roadmap in alignment with company objectives and market demands.
• Drive innovation by identifying new opportunities, evaluating market trends, and conducting competitive analysis.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Sales, and Operations to ensure alignment and successful product launches.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of Research & Development Managers, Food Scientists, and Technicians.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability within the product development team.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support career development for team members.

Product Development:

• Oversee the end-to-end product development process from ideation, requirements gathering, and design to development, testing, and deployment.
• Ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Monitor and optimize product performance post-launch through analytics and user feedback.

Communication & Engagement:

• Communicate product development plans, progress, and outcomes to senior management and stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with senior management, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to align product development efforts with business objectives.
• Key spokesperson for the product team, representing product strategy and vision internally and externally.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization:

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and effectiveness.
• Monitor performance metrics, analyze data, and implement improvements to optimize product performance and user satisfaction.
• Communicate product strategies, progress, and challenges effectively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Requirements

 Qualifications:

• Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in product management or product development roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience in managing and leading teams, fostering innovation, and driving results.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Knowledge of industry trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory requirements related to product development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead innovative product initiatives and drive business growth.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a focus on creativity and innovation.