Director, Product Development & Technical Services
About the Opportunity
A leading manufacturer of consumer health and nutritional supplement products is seeking a Director of Product Development & Technical Services to lead innovation, commercialization, technical services, and cross-functional project execution within a fast-growing manufacturing environment.
This organization specializes in the development and production of gummy-based nutraceutical and wellness products, including both traditional and plant-based formulations. The company partners with prominent consumer brands to bring innovative health and wellness products to market through advanced formulation, process development, and manufacturing capabilities.
The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across Product Development, Technical Services, and Project Management functions. This individual will oversee the entire product lifecycle, from concept and development through scale-up, commercialization, and post-launch support. The role requires a proven leader who can align technical execution with business objectives while driving innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
This position offers flexibility, with hybrid or remote work arrangements considered for highly qualified candidates, along with periodic travel to the manufacturing facility.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development Leadership
- Lead new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.
- Direct formulation, process, packaging, and analytical development activities.
- Translate customer requirements, market trends, and business objectives into actionable technical development strategies.
- Ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
- Support commercial and business development efforts through customer presentations, technical expertise, and proposal development.
- Drive innovation by identifying emerging technologies, ingredients, and product opportunities.
Project Management & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead complex cross-functional programs involving R&D, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
- Establish project timelines, resource allocation plans, and governance processes.
- Monitor project milestones and proactively manage risks to ensure successful execution.
- Improve product development processes and overall project management effectiveness.
- Balance competing priorities while maintaining alignment with business goals and customer commitments.
Technical Services & Commercialization
- Oversee technology transfer, process scale-up, and commercial manufacturing readiness activities.
- Partner closely with manufacturing teams to optimize production processes and improve product performance.
- Provide technical troubleshooting and support for commercial products.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, yield, and operational performance.
- Ensure robust product and process validation activities are successfully executed.
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the site leadership team.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term innovation and growth strategies.
- Contribute to portfolio prioritization, resource planning, and capital investment decisions.
- Build, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline required. Advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in product development, technical services, process development, or project management within a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience developing, scaling, and commercializing consumer health, nutraceutical, food, pharmaceutical, or related products.
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle management and stage-gate development processes.
- Demonstrated success leading large, complex cross-functional programs from concept through launch.
- Minimum of 5 years of direct people leadership experience managing technical and project teams.
- Experience with process optimization, manufacturing scale-up, and technology transfer.
- Knowledge of GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is highly preferred.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience is strongly desired.
- Strong financial, business, and strategic planning capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Proven ability to influence across functions and drive results in a complex organizational environment.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- High-impact leadership role with significant influence on innovation and business growth.
- Opportunity to lead a diverse portfolio of new product development and commercialization programs.
- Exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making initiatives.
- Collaborative culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Strong potential for career advancement within a growing organization.
- Competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work arrangements.
If you are a strategic technical leader with experience driving product innovation, commercialization, and team leadership in a regulated manufacturing environment, we would welcome a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity.
FAQs
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