Director OF Product Development

Director of R&D, New Product and Claims Development The Director of New Product and Claims Development serves as the bridge between science and strategy bringing together technical expertise, consumer insight, and business acumen to deliver innovation that drives growth. This role leads the R&D team responsible for developing Barr Brands' next generation of product innovations and performance claims across the Household, Home Improvement, and Automotive portfolios. The Director brings a unique balance of technical depth and commercial perspective translating consumer needs and market opportunities into products that build brands and deliver profitable growth. This leader will guide the vision, direction, and execution of new product and claims development, fostering a high‑performing team that delivers innovation with measurable business impact. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leads product development efforts that deliver innovative new Barr products and line extensions with clear competitive advantages, achieving cost, quality, and timing targets. Ensures the team applies sound scientific principles and develops the technical capabilities needed to meet current and future innovation pipeline needs. Manages the upstream ("fuzzy front end") innovation pipeline, including project list and corresponding budgets, to support ongoing product research and development. Partners closely with Marketing Innovation to define project criteria, advance concepts through the Barr Stage Gate process, and ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to defined technical standards. Oversees the new product innovation portion of the annual R&D budget and tracks associated expenses. Oversees product and formulation development to meet consumer, regulatory, brand, and manufacturing requirements. Directs the design of test protocols for new products, raw materials, laboratory batches, product claims support/validation, and competitive benchmarking. Partners cross‑functionally with Marketing, Sales, and Operations to ensure technical strategies support brand and business objectives. Contributes to new product marketing and sales strategies through development of product demos, claims support, and participation in key customer presentations and line reviews. Supports scale‑up and commercialization efforts by collaborating with Manufacturing and Quality teams to develop and validate production processes that maintain product integrity and efficiency. Drives continuous innovation pipeline replenishment, in partnership with the Director of Marketing Innovation, identifying new technologies, materials, or concepts that align with both near‑ and long‑term business growth goals. Leads, develops, and mentors the Product Design team, providing clear direction, coaching, and technical guidance. Builds a high‑performing team by fostering technical excellence, commercial awareness, and continuous improvement in process and capability. Collaborates with the Director of Life Cycle Management to address technical issues post‑launch, including production implementation and ongoing product support. Provides technical expertise in legal and regulatory matters, assisting with case preparation and, when required, providing testimony at deposition or trial. Responds to customer and consumer inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate technical support and reinforcing brand trust and credibility. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field is required; an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) is preferred. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience leading R&D initiatives, including at least five (5) years managing technical teams involved in product design, development, and commercialization. Experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) product innovation is required, with a proven record of translating technical insight into commercially successful products. Additional Qualifications Proven ability to translate research and technical insight into profitable, consumer‑driven products that strengthen brand equity and drive business growth and profitability. Demonstrated success leading and developing technical teams setting direction, inspiring performance, and achieving results through others. Proven ability to elevate technical teams by instilling a stronger business and consumer mindset helping scientists and engineers connect their work to brand strategy, market opportunity, and company profitability. Strong project leadership and organizational skills; able to manage multiple, complex initiatives from concept through commercialization in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment. Strategic thinker with sound business judgment and commercial acumen; able to connect technical excellence with market opportunity and financial outcomes. Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization and with external partners. Must be able to communicate in ways that make the complex simple and actionable. Skilled in analytical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making under pressure; able to navigate ambiguity and drive timely, fact‑based action. Proficient in standard business and technical software applications, with working knowledge of applicable product regulations and standards. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance: Barr Brands is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Accommodation: Barr Brands will engage in an interactive process with employees and job applicants to identify and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with known physical or mental disabilities unless such accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the company's operations. Employees and applicants are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the HR department. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Barr Brands values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. #J-18808-Ljbffr