Product Development Manager

Carpe•Durham, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Carpe is the fastest-growing deodorant brand in the US. Our team is composed of ~25 insanely smart people working together in person in downtown Durham, NC. Our office is rather open with many private niches, and our energy level is HIGH. We build products that work. That means solving real problems for consumers and delivering consistent, high-performance products at scale. We’re looking for a high-ownership product development leader who enjoys getting things done and taking products from idea to launch. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from one of the best product developers in the world. We’re growing quickly across retail and DTC, which means multiple launches, variations, and workstreams happening at once. This role is about stepping into that environment and taking ownership of product launches. You’ll own the day-to-day execution of product development. That includes everything from driving timelines and solving problems to handling the detailed work required to get a product across the finish line. No part of the process is “below” this role - owning the outcome means owning the details. You’ll work closely with the Head of Product Development but operate with a high degree of autonomy. This is a build-and-own role where you take a goal and figure out how to execute it. The work spans both execution and problem solving. Some days that looks like coordinating samples and tracking deliverables, other days it’s navigating delays, solving issues with partners, or making sure projects stay on track. You’ll be managing multiple projects at once with competing timelines and dependencies, so strong prioritization and the ability to move forward without perfect information are important. This role has a direct impact on how quickly and effectively we launch new products, expand our portfolio, and support key business initiatives. It’s best suited for someone who thrives on ownership, moves with urgency, and is comfortable stepping in and running projects independently from day one.

Requirements

4–8+ years of experience in product development, technical project management, or similar roles in CPG, personal care, or related industries
High-ownership operator who is organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple complex workstreams simultaneously
Strong project management skills with the ability to drive timelines and deliver results
Independent thinker who solves problems and moves work forward without needing constant direction
Comfortable working directly with contract manufacturers and external partners
Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and accountability
Able to balance speed and quality in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in high-growth or startup environments
Experience working with contract manufacturers
Experience managing retail + DTC SKU complexity

Responsibilities

Own and execute product development projects from concept through launch
Build and manage timelines across multiple workstreams
Drive day-to-day coordination with contract manufacturers, labs, and external partners
Ensure all deliverables are completed on time and nothing stalls or slips
Push projects through final stages and close the last 10% required for launch
Drive ongoing product work including line extensions, scent variations, packaging updates, and retail-driven needs
Own brand/product maintenance including artwork and claims updates, annual product reviews (APR), and keeping products accurate and compliant
Executing cost-saving, business continuity, alternative sourcing workstreams
Ensure all product changes are executed accurately and efficiently
Support retail-specific requirements and ensure products meet partner expectations
Coordinate and execute clinical, consumer, and internal testing programs
Own product technical files and ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and up to date
Conduct light lab work when required, including basic testing, small-scale formulation, and lab sampling support
Identify issues early and develop practical solutions in real time
Navigate ambiguity and move projects forward without waiting for direction
Take ownership of goals and deadlines and determine how to execute against them
Solve problems that do not have predefined processes or clear answers