Sr Director, Product Development

Product & Innovation Leadership

• →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.

Technical & Scientific Excellence

• →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).

Cross-Functional Leadership

• →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.

Team & Capability Building

• →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.

Business & Portfolio Impact

• →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.

• 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

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and well-being resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• 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

fairlife’s nourish program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.