Director of Product Development (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: 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