**GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION**
Wild Alaskan Company is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Director of
Product Development to join our team. Reporting to the SVP of Innovation &
Brand, they will focus on managing the development of new products from
concept through commercialization, ensuring they are commercially viable and
align with our company’s mission and goals.
The Director of Product Development will oversee the R&D budget for each new
product and manage the new product pipeline and calendar, and manage a team of
contractors.
**RESPONSIBILITIES**
* Lead the development of new products from initial concept through to commercially viable launch, ensuring they meet our ingredient philosophy, quality standards, cost, and time objectives.
* Manage the R&D budget for each new product, ensuring effective use of resources relative to expected financial impact and goals.
* Oversee the new product pipeline and calendar, ensuring timely and successful product launches.
* Work closely with the merchandising function to align product development with merchandising strategies and market needs.
* Collaborate with the brand, marketing, operations and finance teams to ensure product development aligns with overall business objectives and market trends.
* Partner with supply chain and quality assurance teams to ensure products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
* Drive front-end culinary innovation and concepting, keeping our product offering fresh, innovative and high-quality.
* Conduct market research and gather consumer insights to inform product development and innovation strategies.
* Implement best practices and tools to manage the product development lifecycle effectively and continuously improve processes to enhance efficiency, reduce time to market, and ensure high-quality outcomes.
* Utilize project management tools and methodologies to track progress, manage risks, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
* Regularly report on project status, budget, and key performance indicators to senior leadership.
* Partner with marketing on the marketing calendar process to ensure new products help drive new customer acquisition and retention goals.
* Build and lead a high-performing and cross functional R&D team, managing cross functional members and contractors.
**REQUIREMENTS**
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
* 7+ years of experience in product development within the food industry, with a strong emphasis on e-commerce and DTC business models.
* Proven track record of successfully managing the product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
* Strong financial acumen with experience managing R&D budgets and cost control.
* Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
* Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
* Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate team members.
* Passion for sustainability and commitment to Wild Alaskan Company's mission.
* _If you have a comparable depth of professional experience, believe your skills are directly transferable, and are passionate about our mission, please apply!_
The starting salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000
commensurate with skills and experience. Wild Alaskan’s benefits package
includes health, vision, and dental insurance, 401k, PTO, safe/sick time,
vacation, parental leave, and more, as well as a delicious box of free fish
every month.
