Product Development Leader

Genie Matthews and Associates; Trumbull (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Genie Matthews and Associates seeks an experienced Product Development Leader to drive innovation in laundry and dish care. You will guide technical teams, formulate strategies, and oversee from concept to market entry while ensuring highest performance and value.

You will develop strategies, manage costs, partner with suppliers, protect IP, mentor staff, and collaborate with engineering, finance, manufacturing, and marketing to deliver successful launches. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physical sciences or chemical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in laundry/dish care product development.
• Leadership experience managing teams and projects.
• IP management experience including patent processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement product development strategies aligned with market trends.
• Lead technical teams in formulations for laundry and dish care products.
• Assess emerging technologies and materials for cost-performance gains.
• Plan and oversee project execution from concept to market entry.
• Conduct consumer and experimental testing to substantiate claims.
• Translate market research into actionable innovation priorities.
• Form IP strategies with legal teams and manage supplier partnerships.

Skills

Product development leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Surfactants & polymers

Project management

Data analytics

Market insights integration

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master’s degree in physical sciences or chemical engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Product Development Leader to drive innovation and oversee the development of high-quality laundry and dish care products. This role involves leading technical teams, formulating strategies, and ensuring successful product launches from conception to market entry. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance and value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive product development strategies that align with consumer needs and market trends.
• Guide technical teams in creating advanced formulations for laundry and dish care products, ensuring successful market introduction.
• Assess and apply emerging technologies and raw materials to enhance product performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Plan and oversee project execution, ensuring timely and professional completion.
• Conduct and interpret consumer and experimental testing to substantiate product claims and specifications.
• Translate market research into actionable product strategies, driving innovation priorities.
• Formulate and manage intellectual property strategies in collaboration with legal teams.
• Optimize product costs through strategic redesigns and raw material enhancements.
• Establish and manage partnerships with key suppliers to secure competitive advantages.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, finance, manufacturing, marketing, and other stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop technical staff and managers to enhance departmental performance.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in physical sciences, chemistry, or chemical engineering; PhD preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in the development of laundry or dishwashing detergents.
• Expert knowledge of surfactants, enzymes, and polymers; experience with packaging is a plus.
• Minimum of five years in a leadership role managing teams.
• Proven track record in leading products from concept to commercialization.
• Experience in intellectual property management, including patent processes.
• Ability to integrate technical projects with market and consumer insights.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for documentation and presentations.
• Willingness to work in various environments and travel as needed.

The position is based in Anderson and offers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative product development initiatives.