Director of Product Development

The Spice & Tea Exchange®; Jacksonville (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Spice & Tea Exchange is seeking a Director of Product Development for a full-time hybrid role based in Palm Coast, FL. You will lead the end-to-end development of teas, spices, and related products, collaborating with merchandising, operations, marketing, and franchise teams to drive innovation and growth.

Responsibilities include managing product roadmaps, supervising R&D activities, and optimizing offerings for profitability, while mentoring the product team and maintaining strong vendor

Qualifications

• Experience taking concepts from ideation through testing to market launch.
• Strong product management with roadmaps and lifecycle oversight.
• Proven leadership of a high-performing product development team.
• Analytical skills to assess market trends, consumer insights, and profitability.
• Experience in food, beverage, or specialty retail is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• On-site collaboration with Metro Jacksonville teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for teas, spices, and blends.
• Manage product roadmaps, timelines, and launches across retail and franchise locations.
• Mentor and guide the product development team; implement best practices.
• Maintain vendor/supplier relationships to ensure quality and innovation.

Skills

Product development

R&D

Roadmap prioritization

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional coordination

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Food/Beverage

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Company Description

The Spice & Tea Exchange® is a specialty retail brand founded in 2008 with a mission to create and share the experience of a more flavorful life. With an expanding footprint of more than 100 stores, the company offers over 670 fresh, innovative products, including teas, spices, exclusive hand-mixed blends, naturally flavored sugars, salts from around the world, gift sets, and accessories. Stores are designed with an old-world spice traders’ atmosphere and serve home cooks, chefs, and tea enthusiasts seeking high-quality, distinctive ingredients. The company also provides franchise opportunities across many U.S. states and territories, supported by comprehensive training and ongoing operational assistance. The Spice & Tea Exchange® continues to grow in a dynamic market while prioritizing quality products and memorable guest experiences.

Role Description

The Director of Product Development is a full-time, Hybrid role based in Palm Coast, FL, responsible for leading the end-to-end product development lifecycle for The Spice & Tea Exchange®. This role oversees ideation, research, and formulation of new teas, spices, blends, and related products, ensuring they align with brand standards, market trends, and guest expectations. The Director collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, operations, marketing, and franchise support, to prioritize product initiatives, manage timelines, and coordinate launches across retail and franchise locations. Daily activities include managing product roadmaps, supervising R&D activities, analyzing product performance, and optimizing existing offerings to support growth and profitability. This leader also mentors and guides the product development team, implements best practices, and maintains strong vendor and supplier relationships to ensure quality, consistency, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong product development and research and development (R&D) skills, with experience taking concepts from idea through testing to market launch.
• Demonstrated product management capabilities, including roadmap prioritization, lifecycle management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Proven team leadership experience, with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop a high-performing product development team.
• Robust analytical skills to evaluate market trends, consumer insights, product performance, and profitability, and to inform data-driven decisions.
• Experience in the food, beverage, or specialty retail sector (spices, teas, or related categories) is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working on-site in Metro Jacksonville and collaborating closely with internal teams and franchise partners.