Sr Director, Product Development

fairlife•Chicago, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Product Development will lead the end-to-end innovation, formulation, and commercialization of high protein, milk-based beverages. This role is responsible for translating consumer insights, nutritional science, and business strategy into scalable, differentiated products that win in the marketplace. The position provides strategic and technical leadership across R&D, product design, process development, and cross functional execution. This leader will serve as the technical authority for dairy based protein beverages, ensuring products meet targets for nutrition, sensory performance, quality, regulatory compliance, and cost, while accelerating speed to market.

Requirements

Advanced degree (MS or PhD preferred) in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or related field.
12+ years of progressive experience in product development within dairy, beverages, or nutrition focused CPG.
Proven leadership in high protein or functional beverage development (RTD, UHT, ESL, refrigerated).
Demonstrated success taking products from concept to commercial launch at scale.
Experience working with cross-functional and global teams.
Understanding and knowledge of Dairy protein systems (whey, casein, milk protein concentrates/isolates), UHT / HTST processing and aseptic technologies, emulsion and stabilization systems, sensory optimization and flavor systems, shelf-life testing and quality validation, and regulatory and nutrition labeling considerations

Responsibilities

Own the product development strategy for high protein milk-based beverages, aligned with portfolio, growth, and brand objectives.
Lead the creation of differentiated formulations and drive innovative pipelines from concept through launch, including renovation, line extensions, and breakthrough platforms.
Apply consumer insights, sensory science, and nutrition trends to guide product design.
Serve as subject-matter expert in dairy chemistry, protein functionality, stabilization, and shelf-life optimization.
Lead formulation development addressing challenges such as viscosity, sedimentation, flavor masking, heat stability, and protein solubility.
Oversee bench-top, pilot, and commercial scale-up activities, ensuring technical feasibility and manufacturing robustness.
Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, global as applicable).
Partner closely with Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless commercialization.
Provide technical guidance during capital projects, co-manufacturing selection, and process optimization.
Influence senior leadership through data-driven recommendations, risk assessments, and scenario planning.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing product development and R&D team.
Establish best-in-class development processes, stage-gate governance, and technical standards.
Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.
Manage development budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
Balance innovation ambition with cost targets, margin goals, and operational constraints.
Support IP strategy, supplier partnerships, and external collaborations.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups