Product Development Director (Food/Beverage Manufacturing)

HTI; Palm Coast (FL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work after initial period

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Human Technologies, Inc. seeks a Director of Product Development in Palm Coast, FL to lead the creation of innovative food and beverage products from concept to commercialization.

You will manage a team of Product Development Managers and coordinate with purchasing, quality, marketing and production to execute launches. The role requires a Bachelor's in Food Science or Culinary Arts, 8+ years in product development in the food/beverage sector, and 4+ years in leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Culinary Arts.
• 8+ years of product development experience in the food and/or beverage manufacturing industries.
• 4+ years of leadership and team management experience.
• Background in gourmet foods, seasonings, teas, or specialty retail.
• Experience in market research/analysis and consumer trends.
• Experience managing the full process from initial conception to product launch/commercialization.
• Strong, professional verbal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of SQF/HACCP regulatory standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product development plans for food seasonings, teas, and other products.
• Conduct research on and analyze competitive market trends and consumer preference data to drive new product concepts.
• Lead development of new product ideas and cross-functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
• Partner with marketing, sales and retail teams to pilot new products and collect insights.
• Manage and lead a team of Product Development Managers and Coordinators.
• Oversee product lifecycle, from concept to launch to retirement.
• Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics, leveraging POS, e-commerce, and supply chain data to optimize SKU mix, forecast demand, and identify discontinuation or re-formulation opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and departments, including sales, marketing, supply chain/sourcing, quality, and production.
• Develop and oversee timelines, costing, and margin targets for product initiatives.
• Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and seasonal programs.
• Align product pipeline with production, distribution, and operational capacity.
• Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging, and guest experience.
• Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications, and ingredient integrity.
• Set goals, track KPIs, and report progress.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Market research

Product development

Communication

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Culinary Arts

Job description

Human Technologies, Inc. is assisting a national manufacturer of food and beverage products with their search for an experienced Director of Product Development at their Palm Coast, FL location. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative product development professional with a strong background in culinary arts and a proven record in innovative development and commercialization of new products.

• The salary range is $130,000 - $145,000 / year, depending on experience
• This is a full-time, salaried, direct-hire position
• Location: Palm Coast, FL
• Relocation assistance is available
• This is an onsite role at the company's facility in Florida, but the position can be hybrid after the first few months
• The company offers fantastic benefits and a positive, fun work culture

Summary:

This role will lead the innovative development of new food and beverage related products, overseeing the process from conception to commercialization and delivery. The Director will manage a team of Product Development Managers and will coordinate with other internal departments in the execution of new product development and launch, including purchasing, quality, marketing, and production.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Culinary Arts
• 8+ years of product development experience in the food and/or beverage manufacturing industries
• 4+ years of leadership and team management experience
• Background in gourmet foods, seasonings, teas, or specialty retail
• Experience in market research/analysis and consumer trends
• Experience managing the full process from initial conception to product launch/commercialization
• Experience managing product development projects and effectively coordinating with internal departments and stakeholders
• Strong, professional verbal and communication skills
• Proven ability to develop creative and innovative food and beverage products
• Knowledge of SQF/HACCP regulatory standards is a plus

Job duties:

• Develop and execute product development plans for food seasonings, teas, and other products.
• Conduct research on and analyze competitive market trends and consumer preference data to drive new product concepts.
• Lead development of new product ideas and cross-functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
• Partner with marketing, sales and retail teams to pilot new products and collect insights.
• Manage and lead a team of Product Development Managers and Coordinators.
• Oversee product lifecycle, from concept to launch to retirement.
• Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics, leveraging POS, e-commerce, and supply chain data to optimize SKU mix, forecast demand, and identify discontinuation or re-formulation opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and departments, including sales, marketing, supply chain/sourcing, quality, and production.
• Develop and oversee timelines, costing, and margin targets for product initiatives.
• Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and seasonal programs.
• Align product pipeline with production, distribution, and operational capacity.
• Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging, and guest experience.
• Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications, and ingredient integrity.
• Set goals, track KPIs, and report progress.