Director of Product Development – Orlando, FL | Functional Beverages

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Product Development to drive the strategic growth and innovation of a leading functional beverages brand in Orlando, FL. This key leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee product development initiatives, ensuring the creation of high-quality, market-leading functional beverages that cater to evolving consumer needs. If you are passionate about pioneering new products, optimizing processes, and leading a talented team to success, this position is perfect for you.

Shape the Future of Functional Beverages

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of the functional beverages industry. As the Director of Product Development, you will play a vital role in shaping the company’s product portfolio, focusing on the latest consumer trends in health and wellness. With a strong focus on innovation and cross-functional collaboration, you will lead the development and launch of new products while ensuring the brand maintains its position as a market leader. This is your chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing sector, driving both brand success and consumer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Product Development – Functional Beverages

Product Strategy & Innovation:
Lead the development of a robust product strategy that aligns with market trends and consumer demands in the functional beverages sector. Oversee the ideation and creation of innovative products that cater to the growing health and wellness market, ensuring each product aligns with the company’s vision and customer expectations.

Product Development Lifecycle:
Manage the entire product development process, from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, R&D, and operations to ensure timely and successful product launches. Ensure product formulations meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer safety.

Market & Consumer Research:
Conduct in-depth market research and consumer analysis to identify emerging trends and potential product opportunities. Leverage insights to create innovative functional beverage offerings that resonate with health-conscious consumers and differentiate the brand in a competitive market.

Cross-functional Collaboration:
Work closely with marketing, sales, operations, and supply chain teams to bring new products to market efficiently. Ensure seamless communication across departments to ensure product launches meet deadlines, stay within budget, and align with strategic business goals.

Brand & Product Positioning:
Collaborate with the marketing team to develop clear brand positioning and messaging for each product. Ensure new products are effectively integrated into the overall brand strategy, maximizing visibility and appeal to target consumer segments.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:
Ensure all new products adhere to high-quality standards, with a focus on consumer safety and compliance with relevant industry regulations. Oversee product testing, quality control, and compliance processes to maintain the integrity of the brand and ensure consistency across product lines.

Cost Management & Profitability:
Optimize product development processes for cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. Work closely with finance and supply chain teams to manage product cost structures and drive profitability through efficient product development practices.

Sustainability & Ethical Practices:
Lead efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into the product development process, from sourcing raw materials to packaging and distribution. Ensure the company’s products meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, socially responsible options.

Team Leadership & Talent Development:
Lead and mentor the product development team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture. Attract and retain top talent in the industry, ensuring the team stays motivated and aligned with business objectives.

Continuous Improvement:
Stay at the forefront of industry developments, continuously seeking ways to enhance product offerings and development processes. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving the company’s competitive edge in the functional beverages market.

What the Client is Looking for in You

Proven Leadership in Functional Beverages & Product Development
The client is seeking a highly experienced Director of Product Development who has a strong track record in leading product innovation and development within the functional beverages industry. You should bring substantial expertise in launching successful products, managing product lifecycles, and navigating market trends in the health and wellness space. The ideal candidate will have a history of driving product excellence and creating breakthrough innovations that resonate with today’s consumers.

Visionary Thinking with a Focus on Market Trends
As Director of Product Development, you will be expected to bring a visionary mindset that anticipates market shifts and creates products that meet the needs of the health-conscious consumer. The client values a strategic leader who can anticipate emerging trends, think long-term, and execute plans to keep the brand competitive in a fast-evolving market. Your ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve will be crucial to the company’s continued growth.

Expertise in Product Strategy and Cross-functional Leadership
You must demonstrate a deep understanding of product strategy and be adept at managing cross-functional teams across product development, marketing, R&D, and operations. The client is looking for a leader who can collaborate seamlessly across departments, ensuring product initiatives align with the company’s overall strategic goals. Your ability to lead through influence, inspire teams, and drive successful product launches is essential.

Strong Consumer & Market Insight
The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of consumer behavior, particularly in the functional beverages category. The client values a leader who can turn consumer insights into actionable product development strategies, creating products that not only meet customer expectations but also enhance brand loyalty. Your ability to translate market research and data into innovative product offerings will set you apart.

Exceptional Project Management and Execution Skills
The client is looking for someone with excellent project management abilities who can deliver products on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple product development projects simultaneously will be crucial to success in this role. The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution is highly valued.

Passion for Sustainability and Ethical Practices
A passion for sustainability is key for this role. The client is looking for someone who can integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of product development, from sourcing ingredients to packaging solutions. Your commitment to environmentally-friendly, socially responsible practices will align with the company’s core values and meet the increasing consumer demand for ethical products.

Leadership in Talent Development and Team Engagement
The ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent within the product development team is critical. The client seeks a leader who can inspire a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance. Your focus will be on fostering a team environment that encourages creativity while driving results. Effective mentoring and coaching of team members will be essential in developing the next generation of leaders within the company.

Operational Excellence and Regulatory Compliance
Operational excellence is a priority for the client, and they are looking for a Director of Product Development who can ensure products are developed efficiently, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with industry regulations. A strong understanding of regulatory requirements, quality control, and supply chain management will be essential to guarantee successful product development that meets both safety standards and consumer expectations.

FAQs About the Role – Director of Product Development – Functional Beverages

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Director of Product Development in this role?
As the Director of Product Development, you will be responsible for leading the product development strategy, managing the end-to-end lifecycle of functional beverage products, and driving innovation in the health and wellness sector. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct market research, ensure product quality and regulatory compliance, and manage the execution of product launches. Additionally, you will work on brand positioning, product testing, and optimizing cost-effective solutions for product development.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in product development within the functional beverages industry or a closely related field. A strong background in product innovation, market research, and cross-functional team leadership is essential. The client is looking for someone with a proven ability to bring new products to market, manage multiple projects, and ensure they meet consumer needs. A degree in Food Science, Business, or a related field is preferred, along with a passion for health-conscious products and sustainability.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a visionary leader who can inspire creativity and innovation while maintaining operational efficiency. Strong project management, decision-making, and interpersonal skills are key. You should also have the ability to collaborate effectively across departments, build high-performing teams, and drive a consumer-first mindset that ensures product relevance and brand growth. A results-oriented approach and the ability to handle fast-paced challenges are crucial to this role.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
In this role, you will face challenges such as managing tight product timelines, ensuring products meet evolving consumer expectations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and staying ahead of market trends in the highly competitive functional beverage industry. Additionally, you will need to manage cross-functional teams and resources effectively to deliver successful product launches while keeping within budget.

5. What is the expected impact of the Director of Product Development on the company’s growth?
The Director of Product Development will directly contribute to the company’s growth by leading the creation of innovative products that resonate with consumers. Your ability to drive the successful launch of these products, optimize the product development process, and align offerings with market trends will play a pivotal role in expanding the brand’s presence and increasing market share in the functional beverages category.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters an entrepreneurial, innovative, and collaborative culture. They value leaders who can inspire teams to think creatively, work cross-functionally, and focus on continuous improvement. The environment is fast-paced, with an emphasis on agility, sustainability, and consumer-centric innovation. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of the company’s product portfolio and make a lasting impact on the business.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Director of Product Development – Functional Beverages in Orlando, FL, you can expect a highly competitive and attractive compensation package tailored to your experience and the responsibilities of the role. The remuneration for this position typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for the Director of Product Development in the functional beverages industry typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the company’s size, location, and market position. Larger or high-growth companies may offer even higher base salaries.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to a base salary, many companies offer annual performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are generally tied to key metrics, such as product development milestones, market performance, innovation goals, and overall company growth. Bonuses typically range from 15% to 30% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options
For senior product development roles, equity-based compensation such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) may be offered. These incentives align compensation with long-term company performance and provide significant financial upside if the company performs well in the marketplace. Depending on company size and valuation, equity grants can be an important part of your total compensation.

4. Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies may also provide profit-sharing opportunities or LTIPs, which reward sustained company growth and successful product innovations over time. These plans can offer additional financial rewards based on the long-term success of the company and its product lines.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
Comprehensive executive benefits typically include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans, including 401(k) with company contributions
Wellness programs, gym memberships, and other health-related benefits
Company-provided travel allowances or vehicles (if applicable)
Expense accounts for business development and travel

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly qualified candidates, signing bonuses or relocation packages may be offered to make the transition easier. These one-time incentives can range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the candidate’s expertise and the company’s needs.

Total Compensation Potential

When considering base salary, bonuses, equity, and other benefits, the total compensation for this role can range from $150,000 to $250,000+ annually, with the opportunity for substantial growth depending on company success and market performance. High-growth or innovative companies may offer even more competitive packages, especially as the company scales.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and strategic leader with extensive experience in the functional beverages or CPG industry, we encourage you to apply for the Director of Product Development – Functional Beverages position in Orlando, FL. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead product innovation, drive market growth, and strengthen the company’s brand positioning in a rapidly expanding industry.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

Resume: Highlight your experience in product development, leadership roles, and successes in launching innovative beverage products.
Cover Letter: Detail your expertise in functional beverages, product strategy, team leadership, and market growth. Emphasize your ability to identify emerging trends, optimize product offerings, and work cross-functionally to drive results.

In your cover letter, please also discuss your vision for leading product development and how you’ve previously contributed to successful product lines in the food and beverage industry. We are looking for someone with a deep understanding of consumer needs, innovation, and a track record of delivering results.

This role offers an exciting career opportunity where you will be instrumental in shaping the future of the company, driving product innovations, and contributing to overall business growth. Apply now to take the next step in your career as a Director of Product Development – Functional Beverages!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Food and Beverage Executive Jobs page.

Job Category: Functional Beverages

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Orlando

Director of Product Development – Orlando, FL | Functional Beverages