Director of Product Development
12 days ago
Hauppauge
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
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