Director of Product Development

Job Description: Director of Product Development

Location: Hauppauge, NY

Department: Product Management / Product Development

Salary: $80,000 - $110,000

Reports To: COO / Chief Commercial Officer / Executive Leadership Team

Direct Reports:

• Product Managers
• Packaging / Graphic Designers
• QA & Compliance Staff
• Project Coordinators
• (Total team size: <10)

Position Summary

The Director of Product Development is responsible for leading the end-to-end development of new products across all company product categories, from concept through launch. This role owns the product roadmap, manages a cross-functional product development team, and works closely with China-based manufacturing partners to source, adapt, and commercialize products that meet customer, quality, and compliance requirements.

This is a hands-on execution leadership role, well suited for a product professional with deep experience sourcing from China, managing PLM processes, and launching successful consumer products for Walmart, Amazon, and pet specialty retailers. While this role does not own final P&L or margin accountability, it plays a critical role in enabling commercial success by delivering market-ready products on time, with the right features, packaging, compliance, and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Roadmap Ownership

• Own and maintain the new product development roadmap across all product categories.
• Identify product opportunities based on customer needs, market trends, competitive analysis, and retailer requirements.
• Develop clear product briefs, specifications, and launch timelines.
• Present product recommendations, roadmaps, and trade-offs to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for approval.
• Lead SKU rationalization efforts in partnership with Sales, Sales Operations, and Supply Chain.

China Sourcing & Factory Collaboration

• Lead full collaboration with China-based manufacturers, including:
• Product selection and feasibility assessment
• Sample development and revisions
• Tooling coordination (as applicable)
• Costing and specification alignment
• Travel internationally approximately twice per year to support factory engagement and product development initiatives.
• Ensure product changes and derivative designs are clearly documented and communicated to suppliers.

End-to-End Product Development Execution

• Lead the execution of new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Ensure products meet defined requirements for:
• Functionality and quality
• Packaging and branding
• Regulatory compliance
• Retail readiness
• Partner closely with Sales Operations and Supply Chain to align product timing with customer programs, replenishment cycles, and inventory plans.
• Manage development timelines, risks, and dependencies to ensure on-time launches.

PLM, Process & Governance

• Own and continuously improve the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of:
• Product specifications
• Bills of materials
• Packaging details
• Compliance certifications and test reports
• Establish clear stage-gate discipline and accountability across the product development lifecycle.
• Drive process consistency, documentation, and cross-functional transparency.

Packaging, Compliance & QA Oversight

• Lead packaging development in collaboration with internal designers and external partners.
• Ensure all products and packaging meet applicable U.S. regulatory, safety, and labeling requirements, including:
• Pet safety standards
• Testing and certifications (ASTM, FDA, Prop 65, etc.)
• Retailer-specific compliance requirements
• Oversee QA and compliance activities to ensure products are market-ready and audit-compliant.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop a small, multidisciplinary Product Development team.
• Set priorities, workloads, and performance expectations.
• Partner closely with:
• Sales & Sales Operations (customer needs, launches, assortment strategy)
• Supply Chain & Logistics (timing, sourcing, inventory readiness)
• Marketing (positioning, packaging, product content)
• Act as the central point of coordination for new product initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in Product Development or Product Management within consumer products / CPG.
• Proven experience sourcing products from China-based manufacturers, including direct factory collaboration.
• Strong hands-on experience managing PLM processes and documentation.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Designers, QA, Coordinators).
• Working knowledge of:
• Product compliance and testing requirements
• Packaging development and labeling standards
• Retail and eCommerce product readiness
• Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, execution-focused leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing products for Walmart, Amazon, and pet specialty retailers.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and integration with PLM.
• Experience in SKU rationalization and assortment optimization.
• Background in a lean, growth-stage, or transformation-oriented organization.

What Success Looks Like

Within 12–18 months, success in this role will be defined by:

• New products launched on time and meeting customer and market expectations.
• Strong collaboration with Sales Operations and Supply Chain resulting in smooth launches.
• Improved discipline, visibility, and execution within the PLM and product development process.
• A clear, well-managed product roadmap aligned with company strategy.
• Products that perform successfully in the market across both retail and eCommerce channels.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person