The Spice & Tea Exchange - Corporate
Product Development Director
The Spice & Tea Exchange - Corporate, Saint Augustine, Florida, United States, 32095
Job Title:
Director of Product Development
Department:
Product Marketing, Strategy & Innovation
Position Reports to:
Senior Director of Corporate Development
Employment:
W2, Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Location:
Hybrid. St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL. Non-local residents must be willing to travel to be considered.
The Spice & Tea Exchange® is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is
Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life , and we strive to make that happen every day for our customers, franchisors, and each other.
Position Purpose At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, it is our mission to " Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life ". The Director of Product Development will serve as the driving force behind our product vision, leading the full lifecycle of our portfolio across all core categories—spices, salts, sugars, teas, blends, candles, honeys/syrups, and accessories. This role champions innovation from concept to shelf, overseeing product strategy, sourcing, quality, cost and commercialization with a relentless focus on brand integrity and market relevance.
As a cross‑functional leader, the Director will guide a talented team of Product Category Managers, Project Coordinators, and Analysts while collaborating closely with Corporate Development, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, and Franchise stakeholders. Together, we bring new ideas to life that delight guests, strengthen our franchise network, and drive sustainable category growth and overall shelf management.
This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of The Spice & Tea Exchange brand, ensuring every product we create is inspired, distinctive, and operationally executable from development through delivery.
Essential job functions include but are not limited to: Product Strategy & Innovation
Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories including 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.
Market Research and Analysis
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.
Category Leadership
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.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
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.
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.
Commercialization & Execution
Oversee timelines, costing, and margin targets for every product initiative.
Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e‑commerce, and seasonal programs.
Align product pipeline with production, distribution, and operational capacity.
Quality & Brand Standards
Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging, and guest experience.
Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications (organic, kosher, etc.), and ingredient integrity.
Project & Performance Management
Set goals, track KPIs, and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
Oversee project timelines, P&L, and profitability targets by category.
Knowledge and Job Requirements
A bachelor's 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.
Leadership Style
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.
Physical Requirements to perform the essential functions of this job
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 such as operating machinery, handling materials, typing, and designing.
Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards are met.
Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively.
Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 55 lbs, overhead lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders and stairs, and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics.
Operation of computer tools and equipment, printers, etc.
Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment (latex gloves).
Core Values
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.
Spicy Perks
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.
Quarterly "Create & Share", free product gifts.
Annual "Holiday Bucks" with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Drug Free Workplace The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. All applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.
Flexible work from home options available.
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Director of Product Development
Department:
Product Marketing, Strategy & Innovation
Position Reports to:
Senior Director of Corporate Development
Employment:
W2, Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Location:
Hybrid. St. Augustine, FL Distribution Center will be relocating to Palm Coast, FL. Non-local residents must be willing to travel to be considered.
The Spice & Tea Exchange® is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is
Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life , and we strive to make that happen every day for our customers, franchisors, and each other.
Position Purpose At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, it is our mission to " Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life ". The Director of Product Development will serve as the driving force behind our product vision, leading the full lifecycle of our portfolio across all core categories—spices, salts, sugars, teas, blends, candles, honeys/syrups, and accessories. This role champions innovation from concept to shelf, overseeing product strategy, sourcing, quality, cost and commercialization with a relentless focus on brand integrity and market relevance.
As a cross‑functional leader, the Director will guide a talented team of Product Category Managers, Project Coordinators, and Analysts while collaborating closely with Corporate Development, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, and Franchise stakeholders. Together, we bring new ideas to life that delight guests, strengthen our franchise network, and drive sustainable category growth and overall shelf management.
This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the future of The Spice & Tea Exchange brand, ensuring every product we create is inspired, distinctive, and operationally executable from development through delivery.
Essential job functions include but are not limited to: Product Strategy & Innovation
Develop and execute product roadmaps across all core categories including 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.
Market Research and Analysis
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.
Category Leadership
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.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
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.
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.
Commercialization & Execution
Oversee timelines, costing, and margin targets for every product initiative.
Drive SKU launches for retail, wholesale, e‑commerce, and seasonal programs.
Align product pipeline with production, distribution, and operational capacity.
Quality & Brand Standards
Ensure products meet brand expectations for flavor, consistency, packaging, and guest experience.
Collaborate with QA on labeling, certifications (organic, kosher, etc.), and ingredient integrity.
Project & Performance Management
Set goals, track KPIs, and report progress to the Senior Director of Corporate Development.
Oversee project timelines, P&L, and profitability targets by category.
Knowledge and Job Requirements
A bachelor's 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.
Leadership Style
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.
Physical Requirements to perform the essential functions of this job
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 such as operating machinery, handling materials, typing, and designing.
Consistent capacity for visual acuity to monitor processes, examine materials and labels, and ensure quality standards are met.
Consistently communicate in English utilizing both written and oral methods including speech and hearing to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and the ability to engage in verbal discussions and listen attentively.
Consistent ability to perform various physical tasks that require continuous standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, squatting, lifting up to 55 lbs, overhead lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders and stairs, and maneuvering within a warehouse workspace.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics.
Operation of computer tools and equipment, printers, etc.
Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment (latex gloves).
Core Values
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.
Spicy Perks
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.
Quarterly "Create & Share", free product gifts.
Annual "Holiday Bucks" with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Drug Free Workplace The Spice & Tea Exchange® is committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment. All applicants must complete a drug screening test if accepting an offer of employment. Employment offers are contingent upon a negative drug screening test result.
Flexible work from home options available.
#J-18808-Ljbffr