Director of Product Development & Commercialization

Director of Product Development & Commercialization

We are a growing packaging manufacturing and distribution company seeking an experienced Director of Product Development & Commercialization to lead the development and launch of new products, manufacturing capabilities, and equipment.

This is a highly visible position reporting directly to the CEO.

We are looking for someone who can take an opportunity from idea to successful commercial launch—combining product development, manufacturing, sourcing, equipment evaluation, project management, and strong business judgment.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead new-product development from concept through commercial launch.

* Identify and evaluate new products and market opportunities.

* Work with Sales and customers to validate demand and product requirements.

* Develop business cases including expected sales, costs, margins, investment requirements, ROI, and payback.

* Lead development of new products manufactured internally.

* Determine manufacturing requirements for new products, including processes, equipment, tooling, materials, labor, and capacity.

* Research, evaluate, and recommend manufacturing equipment and machine suppliers.

* Coordinate machine demonstrations, trials, equipment selection, installation, startup, and production qualification with Operations.

* Develop new sourced and imported product opportunities.

* Identify and evaluate domestic and international suppliers.

* Manage product samples, specifications, testing, costing, and supplier qualification.

* Lead commercialization of machines and equipment that we offer to customers.

* Coordinate with outside machine builders, engineering partners, suppliers, Operations, and customers.

* Manage prototypes, testing, beta installations, and product improvements.

* Help establish pricing, warranties, installation requirements, training, spare parts, and service strategies for equipment sold to customers.

* Develop and maintain a structured pipeline of new-product and equipment opportunities.

* Establish project timelines, milestones, budgets, and accountability.

* Work cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, Marketing, suppliers, and customers.

* Transition successfully launched products into normal Operations, Purchasing, and Sales.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an individual who combines technical understanding, commercial judgment, and strong project execution.

The ideal candidate will have:

* 8+ years of relevant experience in product development, manufacturing, product management, commercialization, engineering/project management, or a related field.

* Experience bringing new industrial or manufactured products from concept to market.

* Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production equipment.

* Experience evaluating and working with machinery and equipment manufacturers.

* Experience with product costing, pricing, margins, capital investment, and ROI analysis.

* Strong project-management and organizational skills.

* Experience working with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

* Ability to work directly with customers to understand applications and requirements.

* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

* Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.

* Ability to work effectively across Sales, Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Finance.

Experience in packaging, plastics, converting, automation, industrial equipment, material handling, or related manufacturing industries is highly desirable.

What We’re Looking For

This is not a traditional R&D-only position.

We are looking for someone who can connect:

The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between a customer meeting, manufacturing floor, equipment supplier, product trial, financial analysis, and sales discussion.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can take ownership and get projects across the finish line.

What Success Looks Like

Success means building a repeatable product-development process and creating a strong pipeline of profitable new opportunities.

You will be responsible for answering questions such as:

* Should we enter this product category?

* Should we manufacture it or source it?

* What equipment will we need?

* What will the investment be?

* What will it cost us to produce?

* What can we sell it for?

* How large is the opportunity?

* What is the expected return?

* How quickly can we bring it to market?

Once an opportunity is approved, you will lead the project through development, testing, launch, and successful handoff.

Our goal is simple: turn strong ideas and market opportunities into profitable, scalable businesses.