Product Development Director

Job Responsibilities

• Define the product development direction, strategy, and execution plan to ensure alignment with the company's vision, business goals, and overall strategy.
• Lead, manage, and develop the Product Development team to ensure effective execution, strong team performance, and achievement of business objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end product development projects, from concept creation, formula development, raw material and packaging selection, through product readiness for commercial launch, while managing quality, timeline, cost, and business requirements.
• Research and monitor market trends, technologies, innovations, new ingredients, formulation approaches, and packaging solutions to identify opportunities for new product development and strengthen the company's competitiveness.
• Source, evaluate, and select OEM manufacturers and business partners in Thailand and overseas based on product quality, technology capabilities, production capacity, cost, Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), and overall business suitability.
• Manage relationships and coordinate closely with OEM manufacturers and external partners to ensure product development projects meet agreed quality standards, timelines, specifications, and cost targets.
• Collaborate with Marketing and related teams to develop product concepts, product propositions, and key selling points, while providing technical, innovation, and scientific information to support accurate and credible marketing communication.
• Work closely with Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and relevant teams to ensure product formulas, ingredients, claims, labeling, and marketing communications comply with Thai FDA requirements and other applicable regulations.
• Analyze and manage product cost structures, including raw materials, packaging, manufacturing costs, and MOQ, while identifying cost optimization opportunities without compromising product quality or standards.
• Identify and manage risks related to product development projects and establish preventive and corrective actions to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Regularly report project progress, performance, key risks, and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Develop and improve Product Development processes, standards, and ways of working while promoting continuous innovation and knowledge sharing within the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Cosmetic Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in product development and/or formulation development with OEM manufacturers, preferably within cosmetics, skincare, dietary supplements, health products, or related industries.
• At least 5 years of experience leading and developing teams, with proven experience in a managerial or leadership-level position.
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from product concept and formulation through commercialization and market launch.
• Strong knowledge of product costing, cost structures, MOQ management, and commercial considerations related to product development.
• Good understanding of ingredients, product formulations, manufacturing technologies, packaging, and innovation trends within relevant industries.
• Strong knowledge of product regulations and Thai FDA requirements, with the ability to work effectively with Regulatory Affairs and Legal teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and business decision-making skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams, senior management, OEM manufacturers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Intermediate or above proficiency in Microsoft Office and Asana.
• Intermediate or above English communication skills, including meetings, business communication, and reading technical or product-related documents.
• Able to travel within Thailand and internationally when required to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and business partners.

Preferred Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and leadership capability with the ability to translate business direction into product development priorities.
• Experience managing multiple product development projects simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance product quality, innovation, cost, and speed to market.
• Proven ability to manage change and improve internal product development processes.
• Strong interest in product innovation, emerging technologies, new ingredients, and consumer trends.