Director, Product Development & Innovation

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ideation and commercialization of new product offerings in various categories including fresh, value-added, and cross-category opportunities.
• Manage the product development process from discovery to shelf, ensuring alignment with strategic growth initiatives.
• Steward the product innovation pipeline and collaborate with cross-functional teams across Marketing, Sales, Farming, and Operations.
• Inspire and lead the Product Development & Innovation team to support a culture of innovation.
• Evaluate projects through cost modeling and ROI analysis to ensure strategic and financial success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agribusiness, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in product development or innovation within fresh produce, perishable CPG, or agrifood sectors.
• Demonstrated success in launching fresh or refrigerated CPG products into retail or foodservice channels.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing a product innovation pipeline in a matrixed environment.
• Strong understanding of packaging technologies and new product commercialization.
• Strategic and financial acumen, with the ability to evaluate projects through cost modeling and ROI analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to adopt additional systems and tools.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to influence across levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including calendar, timeline, and resource prioritization.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop team members to support a culture of innovation.
• Valid driver's license with clean DMV record.
• Pass pre-placement drug/alcohol screen and background check.

Nice to Have

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Proficiency in PLM tools, ERP systems, and analytics platforms (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SPINS).
• Passion for sustainability and agriculture-driven innovation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, seasonal business environment.

Benefits & Perks

• Total Rewards: $145,000 - $190,000 / YEAR.
• Vacation, sick, holiday pay, medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, FSA, tuition reimbursement, scholarship program.
• Discounted tickets to major theme parks throughout California.
• Continued learning and development, family events, work life balance.