Product Development Associate

Essor • Boston, MA

3d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

This role is responsible for owning the product roadmap, conducting market analysis, and managing financial aspects of product development. The associate will focus on developing unique and innovative products, leading rapid new product development initiatives, and overseeing formulation, packaging, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. Additionally, the role involves managing project timelines, commercialization processes, and cross-functional leadership to ensure seamless product launches.

Requirements

• Exceptional Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, multiple stakeholders, and aggressive timelines.
• Technical Formulation Knowledge: A fundamental understanding of ingredient function, stability testing, and the formulation process to effectively collaborate with R&D partners.
• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Ability to translate consumer insights and market data into a tangible, profitable product strategy.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority across internal and external partners.
• Detail-Oriented: A relentless commitment to accuracy and quality, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and ingredient transparency.

Nice To Haves

• 2-3+ years of progressive experience in Product Development, Operations, Buying, Product Management, or R&D within the CPG industry.
• Experience with cleaning, household goods, or beauty/personal care products is highly preferred, specifically with natural or plant-based formulations.
• Proven track record of successfully launching multiple new products from concept to market.
• Experience working with B Corp certified brands or organizations focused on environmental sustainability.
• Prior experience managing packaging development, including material selection (PCR, sustainable options) and print proofing.
• Familiarity with retailer-specific requirements and documentation (e.g., Walmart, Target, Amazon Vendor Central).
• PMP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define, champion, and manage the full product development lifecycles from ideation and concept to final production and input on strategic launch, with a focus on products for the ecommerce space and large brick & mortar retailers.
• Conduct competitive analysis and stay ahead of industry trends, consumer needs, and ingredient innovations within the natural cleaning and CPG space.
• Partner with brand and operations to develop product costing, manage project budgets, and ensure products meet margin targets, applying learnings to the entire product portfolio for stronger profitability.
• Develop concepts for products that will stand out in the cleaning world, supporting the growth of Puracy into a widely recognized household brand.
• Lead 'sprint' initiatives that support product improvements and rapid franchise development, particularly in the baby product market.
• Lead the selection and approval of raw materials, ensuring formulations meet Puracy's ingredient standards and performance benchmarks.
• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, formulators, fragrance houses, and packaging suppliers.
• Develop products that comply with relevant federal, state, and industry regulations (e.g., EPA, Safer Choice, EWG), while excelling in performance.
• Create and rigorously manage detailed project timelines to ensure on-time delivery for all product launch initiatives.
• Proactively communicate road blocks and bring forward solutions to mitigate them.
• Oversee the final stages of commercialization, including manufacturing readiness, quality control checks, timely completion of content, and final handover to the scale team.
• Serve as the central hub for product development, coordinating seamlessly with internal teams, including Brand, Operations, Regulatory/ Legal, Creative, and Retail.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer status
• Consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, or national origin.
• No discrimination based on disability or protected veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed