Sr Director, Product Development

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio includes lactose‑free, real dairy products such as fairlife® ultra‑filtered milk, Core Power® High Protein Shakes, and fairlife® nutrition plan™ shakes.

Job Purpose

The Senior Director of Product Development will lead the end‑to‑end innovation, formulation, and commercialization of high‑protein, milk‑based beverages. This leader will translate consumer insights, nutritional science, and business strategy into scalable, differentiated products that succeed in market. They will provide strategic and technical leadership across R&D, product design, process development, and cross‑functional execution, ensuring products meet nutritional, sensory, quality, regulatory and cost targets while accelerating speed to market.

Responsibilities

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.
• 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.

Skills / Qualifications Required

• 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.
• In-depth knowledge of dairy protein systems, UHT/HTST processing, aseptic technologies, emulsion and stabilization systems, sensory optimization, shelf‑life testing, quality validation, and regulatory and nutrition labeling considerations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one.
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance).
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000).
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
• 401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 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.
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Employment Type

Exempt

Compensation

Base pay range: $175,000 - $205,000 USD*

*Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job‑related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email

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