Director of Strategic Innovation & Market Development

Swiss American CDMO•Carrollton, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Innovation & Market Development supports Swiss American CDMO’s long-term growth by identifying innovation opportunities, generating market insights, and aligning product concepts with evolving customer and industry needs. This role operates at the intersection of market intelligence, innovation planning, and commercial development. The Director translates industry trends, consumer insights, and competitive dynamics into actionable product concepts, innovation briefs, and strategic recommendations that strengthen Swiss American’s market position and support sustainable revenue growth. Working closely with the Vice President, Commercial Development and cross-functional leaders across RID, Marketing, Operations, and Client Services, this position helps guide innovation pipeline development, concept strategy, and market-facing initiatives that support the company’s broader commercial objectives. The role also maintains strategic alignment with the President & CEO to ensure innovation initiatives support Swiss American’s long-term growth priorities. This position is a senior individual contributor role with broad cross-functional influence and regular interaction with executive leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferred
8+ years of experience in innovation strategy, product development, market development, or strategic roles within beauty, personal care, OTC, or topical medical device categories
Demonstrated ability to translate market insights into actionable innovation opportunities
Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills
Experience working with external partners, suppliers, or innovation ecosystems
Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

Strategic Innovation & Concept Development • Support development and management of Swiss American’s innovation pipeline across skincare, personal care, color cosmetics, OTC, and topical medical device categories
Translate market trends, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence into actionable product concepts and innovation briefs
Guide concept positioning, differentiation opportunities, and commercialization potential
Collaborate with RID and Commercial teams to advance innovation concepts aligned with market demand and business objectives
Market Intelligence & Opportunity Identification • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and competitive activity across Swiss American’s product categories
Conduct market and category analysis to identify growth opportunities and inform innovation priorities
Provide leadership with forward-looking insights that support strategic planning and market expansion initiatives
Commercial Alignment & Market Development • Collaborate with Business Development and Client Services teams to ensure innovation initiatives align with customer demand and new business opportunities
Support commercialization efforts through development of innovation concepts, briefs, and presentation materials
Develop and support product, platform, and feasibility assessments used to position innovation opportunities with prospects and existing customers, including strategic portfolio placement efforts across strategic growth accounts
Assist in translating innovation initiatives into compelling market narratives that support business development and customer engagement
Strategic Partnerships & Industry Collaboration Support development of relationships with ingredient suppliers, packaging partners, and technology collaborators
Identify partnership opportunities that enhance Swiss American’s innovation capabilities and competitive differentiation
Participate in industry events, supplier discussions, and collaborative innovation initiatives