Director of Product Development

• Medical Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off

• Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories including but not limited to spices salts sugars teas blends candles honeys/syrups and accessories.
• Identify market trends consumer insights and franchise needs to drive new product concepts.
• Lead ideation and cross-functional collaboration to bring new SKUs and seasonal programs to market.
• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify new trends consumer preferences and gaps in the market.

• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify new trends consumer preferences and gaps in the market.
• Leverage customer and franchisee feedback to inform the product roadmap and drive data-driven decisions.
• Partner with franchise owners to pilot new products collect field insights and integrate real-time operational feedback to improve product performance and guest experience across diverse markets.
• Analyze product performance data post-launch to inform future development cycles and measure success against KPIs.

• Manage and mentor a team of Product Category Managers Coordinators and/or Specialists.
• Ensure each category has clear strategy timelines and performance goals.
• Oversee product lifecycle from concept to launch to retirement.
• Own category dashboards and lifecycle analytics leveraging POS e-commerce and supply chain data to optimize SKU mix forecast demand and identify discontinuation or re-formulation opportunities.

• Partner closely with:
  • Senior Director of Corporate Development to ensure product procurement is aligned with the brand vision and sustained growth plan.
  • Supply Chain for sourcing costing and supplier relationships.
    • Champion sustainable sourcing packaging innovation and supplier transparency initiatives that align with The Spice & Tea Exchanges brand promise and environmental responsibility goals.
  • Marketing to align branding packaging positioning naming and launch campaigns.
  • Franchise Operations for owner input and sell-in support.
  • QA & Regulatory to ensure ingredient accuracy certifications and compliance.

• Oversee timelines costing and margin targets for every product initiative.
• Drive SKU launches for retail wholesale ecommerce and seasonal programs.
• Align product pipeline with production distribution and operational capacity.

• Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor consistency packaging and guest experience.
• Collaborate with QA on labeling certifications (organic kosher etc.) and ingredient integrity.

• Set goals track KPIs and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
• Oversee project timelines P&Ls and profitability targets by category.

• A bachelors degree in a relevant field such as Food Science Business Administration Marketing or related discipline.
• 7 years of product development category management or CPG experience (preferably in food beverage or specialty consumables) with a minimum of 4 years in a managerial role.
• Proven leadership managing product teams or category leads.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends sourcing product lifecycle and commercialization.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with marketing supply chain and operations.
• Excellent organizational communication and project management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to balance creativity and execution.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Adaptable and resourceful in a fast-paced evolving retail and franchise environment.
• Background in gourmet foods teas spices or specialty retail preferred.
• Experience working with franchise networks or multi-channel product distribution preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and certifications for consumables preferred.
• A passion for high-quality food tea and flavor preferred.

• Strategic agile and collaborative.
• Leader and mentor fostering a culture of creativity collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable influencing unpretentiously and working within an evolving structure and growing brand.

• Frequent travel by plane and car to Headquarters and to various Stores across the US.
• Consistent ability to utilize hands and fingers to perform tasks as necessary for job duties which may include operating machinery handling materials typing and designing (8 hours per day).
• Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes examine materials and labels and ensure quality standards are met (8 hours per day).
• Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including the use of speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members customers and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively (8 hours per day).
• Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing (8 hours per day) sitting (8 hours per day) walking (8 hours per day) bending (3-5 hours per day) reaching (8 hours per day) squatting (3-5 hours per day) lifting; up to 55 lbs. (8 hours per day) overhead lifting (3-5 hours per day) carrying (8 hours per day) pushing/pulling (3-5 hours per day) climbing ladders and stairs (8 hours per day) and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace (8 hours per day).
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks (8 hours per day).
• Ability to visually identify color substance products and their characteristics (8 hours per day).
• Operation of but not limited to computer tools and equipment printers and equipment (8 hours per day).
• Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents spices fruits extracts aromas or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8 hours per day).

• Commitment; engaged flexible patient open minded.
• Detail Oriented; organized focused high quality.
• Reliable; integrity dependable authentic.
• Continuous Improvement; performance and safety awareness goal-oriented creative mindset efficient.
• Enthusiastic about food and beverage.
• Teamwork; team-oriented and eager to grow within the company.

• Hybrid Work
• Medical dental vision and other ancillary benefits.
• 401k plan company match.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
• 100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) during first year following 90 days of employment.
• 7 Paid Holidays.
• Employee product discounts.
• Biannual Create & Share free product gifts.
• Annual Holiday Bucks with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.

We create and share the experience every day! Life is better lived with a little spice.

The Spice & Tea Exchange was founded in 2008 by a group of talented individuals with a passion for life and food. What started as a small shop in St. Augustine Florida has quickly grown into a nation-wide franchise powered by flavor passionate franchise owners and a desire to bring flavorful ingredients to your kitchen. Our franchise owners are the #1 REASON for what we do and our team is a close-knit family youd enjoy sitting with around the dinner table.

Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life is the mission and cornerstone of our business in which we strive to provide guests with quality products and flavorful memories. We offer a high-quality diverse assortment of products in a sensory shopping experience. One step into our shops will kick your senses into high-gear as you open the jars and smell explore recipes and speak with our knowledgeable staff about your culinary interests.

At The Spice & Tea Exchange we are committed to our mission. If you have a desire to inspire coworkers and customers we may have a place for you at the table! Our employees define experience as all the events of our lives that shape who we are taking you out of the everyday task list and putting you into a place that takes you to a different state of mind making memories that are not forgotten and trying things for the first time! The employee experience is something we do not take with a grain of salt.