Associate Director, Product Development

Church & Dwight•Princeton, NJ

13h•$147,300 - $209,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Church & Dwight is seeking an Associate Director, Product Development to join our Specialty Hair & Skin Care (SHSC)/Touchland team. This role will lead science-based product innovation while executing global new product initiatives for the Touchland business. The Associate Director will manage complex, cross-functional development programs and drive consumer-centric innovation from front-end concept through commercialization, supporting Touchland’s continued global expansion. The Associate Director, Product Development will serve as a technical and consumer-focused leader responsible for translating transformational technologies and insights into commercially successful products. This role owns new product development charters, providing end-to-end project leadership including formulation, execution, and project management. Operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, this leader will balance strategic innovation with day-to-day R&D activities while collaborating closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Operations, Regulatory, Quality, and Global R&D teams. The role requires the ability to quickly jump into active projects, navigate evolving processes, and flex working styles to support a growing brand. This position manages a key strategic R&D pillar for Touchland and plays a critical role in enabling future global growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or related scientific field.
8+ years of experience in product development within consumer goods, beauty, or personal care.
Technical background with hands-on experience in formulation, emulsions, and OTC products.
Proven ability to own projects from concept through commercialization, including project execution and management.
Experience managing direct reports.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly partnering closely with Marketing and R&D.
High level of business acumen with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex timelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in CPG and/or beauty care environments (OTC).
Experience supporting high-growth or entrepreneurial brands.
Prior involvement in global product launches or regional expansions.
Advanced degree in a scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

Direct consumer-centric design and development of Touchland products within defined costing models, launch requirements, and supply chain parameters.
Lead new product development from front-end concept through launch, including creation of product development charters.
Apply hands-on technical expertise in formulation, emulsions, and OTC products while integrating market trends and consumer insights.
Partner with Consumer Insights, Marketing, SHSC POD, and business teams to develop and execute a future-forward innovation vision supporting global growth.
Manage R&D teams, providing leadership, prioritization, and mentorship to deliver highly incremental innovation and regional expansion.
Ensure operational and supply continuity by overseeing complex, multi-disciplinary projects that support business growth and compliance.
Independently manage complex projects and coordinate with senior leadership to define and prioritize goals and objectives.
Provide technical leadership to drive a robust global development pipeline, identify emerging trends, and implement innovative capabilities, technologies, and tools.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Global R&D, Marketing, Legal, Regulatory, Quality, Consumer Experience, Fragrance & Flavor, Open Innovation, Procurement, Operations, Finance, and Project Management teams.
Communicate product and technology developments clearly to global and domestic stakeholders.
Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset, navigating flexible processes while maintaining strong ownership and accountability.
Utilize Microsoft 365 and product lifecycle tools, with familiarity in Agile ways of working.